How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?

There’s a lot of new research suggesting that supplemental Vitamin D significantly reduces mortality and its thought that at least 85% of Americans are deficient! Some doctors are starting to test for Vitamin D deficiency, supplementation is more common, and there’s even a Vitamin D Council to provide you with the latest research.

Why is Vitamin D deficiency so common?
Unfortunately, the ozone layer is deteriorating and people are forced to either stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen that blocks the ultraviolet rays that are essential to form Vitamin D. Sun rays need to touch the bare skin just for 5-10 minutes a day to get your recommended amount and our skin naturally prevents toxicity in case you are in the sun for too long. Glass completely blocks vitamin D from being made. Also, there is minimal Vitamin D in our food sources.

Chronic Illnesses related to Vitamin D deficiency:
Alzheimer’s disease
Asthma
Autism
Cancer
Cavities
Chrohn’s Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Depression
Diabetes
Eczema
Hearing Loss
Heart Disease
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Insomnia
Macular Degeneration Multiple Sclerosis
Migraines
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Seizures

How do I test for Vitamin D deficiency?
The only blood test that can diagnose Vitamin D deficiency is a 25-hydroxyvitamin D. An optimal level is 50-65ng/ml and under 50ng/ml is considered deficient. If you are deficient and sun exposure is not possible, it is important to supplement with adequate Vitamin D.

How much Vitamin D do I need?
A Vitamin D supplement should be in the naturally occurring form, Cholecalciferol. The Vitamin D product that I carry provides the well absorbed form at a potent level (1 capsule = 2000 IU). Supplementation needs can vary depending on sun exposure, age, weight, and overall health. The Vitamin D Council has made some general recommendations. They state that if you have little sun exposure, your approximate needs are:

• Healthy children under the age of 2: 1,000 IU per day
• Healthy children over 2 years: 2,000 IU per day
• Well adults and adolescents between 80 – 130 pounds: start with 3,000 IU per day
• Well adults and adolescents between 130 – 170 pounds: 4,000 IU per day
• Well adults over 170 pounds: 5,000 IU per day

Sunshine Wellness has changed our supplement ordering system.

Instead of ordering directly, we now use Wellevate, an online ordering portal for Pharmaceutical Grade Supplements at a discount and free shipping (for orders over $49).

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