From infants to elderly, everyone should have their vitamin D level checked at least once a year, ideally twice. Optimal Vitamin D levels vary for each person depending on their lifestyle, current health, and genetics, but aim to be in the 40-60 ng/ml range. Testing is the only way to know your needs for sure.
This is such an important topic and very appropriate as we move into the fall and winter months. Depending on where you live, you may only get enough sun for vitamin D production between May and October. These populations definitely need supplement support from October through April. Vitamin D helps regulate the absorption of calcium, balance the immune system & fight disease, & help reduce/eliminate depression…just to name a few.
Lower levels are associated with many types of immune deficiency and higher levels can be immunosuppressive. Depending on the unique health challenges of an individual, dosage may need to be adjusted to allow optimal immune function for a specific disease dynamic.
Some conditions that have been associated with sub optimal serum vitamin D levels are:
- Greater risk of colon cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Poor wound healing
- Increased muscle, joint, and back pain
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Schizophrenia
- Migraines
- Autoimmune disease (lupus, scleroderma, thyroiditis)
- Allergies
- Preeclampsia
- Inflammation
Your skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight, and how much vitamin D you make depends on your age, genetics, skin tone, and exposure. Also, the darker your skin, the more sun exposure you need to make enough vitamin D. When introducing Vitamin D it’s important to use vitamin D3, start with a lower dose and increase slowly, about every 5 days to slowly allow the body to adjust gradually. It’s also key to make sure your magnesium levels are sufficient before starting a Vitamin D supplement.
“The body uses nutrients in a symphony – not a solo.”
If you are taking a vitamin D supplement, adequate Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Magnesium intake are also required. Increasing Vitamin D increases the body’s need for all of these nutrients. For people trying to regain bone density, Vitamin K2 supplementation along with D is vital. Magnesium is required for the body to convert Vitamin D into its final, usable form; it’s also a very common nutrient deficiency, especially for those with cardiovascular or blood sugar control.
Vitamin D deficiency can be quite detrimental to our health, but too much of a good thing is not better! It is recommended that you recheck your vitamin D level within 2-3 months after starting supplementation, depending on your medical and health condition.