The Latest News On Vitamin D: What Does It Mean For You?
You may have seen news items on the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) new Vitamin D recommendations, which were released on November 30th. So to keep you up to date, I’d like to share my thoughts on it with you.
First, let’s look briefly at IOM’s recommendations. They have increased all the doses and are recommending that everyone except those over 70 take 600 IUs of Vitamin D, and that those over age 70 take 800 IUs. The “Upper Intake Level” recommended by IOM is 4,000 IU, effectively doubling the previous levels for all ages with the exception of children under nine.
The study also reaffirms the role of adequate Vitamin D levels in preventing falls and fractures, as well as in muscle development.
So, is that the final word? Case closed? Not exactly.
Reports like this and the research that goes into them are helpful, but they often don’t tell the whole story.
My Take on Vitamin D Requirements
While it might be nice to be able to rely on a report that tells you how much Vitamin D you need, it’s not quite that simple. Because we get Vitamin D from the sun, and because we each live in different environments with varying degrees of access to sunlight, it’s impossible to take a one size fits all approach to Vitamin D.
For example, I live in Florida and spend a good portion of each day out in the sun. Because of the sunny climate, I’m able to do that on a year-round basis (although as I write this, we’re experiencing a very unusual cold spell, and I’ve just turned on my heater for the first time in years).
So my supplemental Vitamin D needs are quite different from those of someone who lives in Finland, where there are several months of the year during which the sun rarely makes an appearance.
So What Should I Do?
On this issue, as with many others, you ultimately need to use common sense and decide for yourself. But don’t worry – I’ll give you some helpful guidelines.
OK. We know that we need vitamin D, and we also know that it’s ideal to get as much of it as possible from the sun. And what we can’t get from the sun, we must get from supplements. Start by looking at the amount of sun exposure you get. If you live in a sunny climate and spend a lot of time outdoors, you may need only a baseline level. The bare minimum is 400 IU per day and you should increase the amount as you feel necessary depending on your sun exposure, which may vary according to the seasons.
But I’ve Had Skin Cancer!
While it’s ideal to spend 20 to 30 minutes a day in the sun without sunscreen, of course you must take extra precautions if you’ve had melanomas or are dealing with another condition that requires you to limit sun exposure.
If you fall into this category, you may need to rely more heavily on supplemental Vitamin D3.
But for the general public, the minimal sun exposure required to get a dose of Vitamin D3 should not present much of a risk. Obviously, repeatedly burning the skin is a cause for concern, but a small yet healthy dose of sun is fine. Think about this… if the sun were as dangerous as we’re currently led to believe, wouldn’t we (as humans) be an extinct species by now?
Can I Use a Sun Lamp?
The UV rays of the sun react with our skin to produce Vitamin D3. Most sun lamps emit UV rays, and there are some that are sold specifically for Vitamin D supplementation. Just be very careful at first until you can gage how your skin reacts and avoid burns. Also, make sure you follow manufacturer’s directions.
And one more note of caution about sunlamps and tanning beds. Make sure the bulbs are made with electric resistance ballasts instead of the more commonly used magnetic ballasts. The latter emit potentially dangerous electromagnetic waves, because this type of radiation – especially from such proximity to the source, which is the light bulb in the equipment – can be harmful to your health.
All Vitamin D is NOT the Same
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the most absorbable form of Vitamin D because it’s the one we synthesize from the sun. The large dosage pills some doctors recommend are made of plant-derived D2, and the vitamin D added to milk is also D2.
Because Vitamin D3 is derived from animal sources, vegetarians often resort to taking the less-effective D2. But there are vegetarian D3 supplements, most of which use the lanolin from sheep’s wool, which does not cause any harm to the animal, to produce the vitamin. If this is a concern for you, just make sure you check the supplement ingredients to determine the source of your D3.
My Doctor Prescribed 50,000 IU a Week
Many doctors are prescribing “megadose” amounts in this range. Because Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, which means it accumulates in the body, I do not recommend what I consider excessive doses of Vitamin D. In addition, these supplements are made with Vitamin D2, which, as stated above, is a much less-absorbable form of the vitamin. And if you are following the guidelines in the Save Our Bones Program, you shouldn’t need megadoses of any nutrient.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that, in my opinion, this latest report does not really change much. Vitamin D supplementation has always been very much a matter for individual adjustment, and it continues to be. But there are some basic guidelines you can follow:
- Use the minimum baseline of 400 IU of D3 and build from there depending on your sun exposure and skin tone.
- If you can spend time in the sun year-round, then try to have some sun exposure every day. Twenty minutes a day in the summer, and at least 30 minutes in the spring, fall and winter (add at least 10 minutes if you are dark skinned) is sufficient. It’s best if you can sunbathe your legs, arms, and the abdomen if possible.
- In cold climates with little sun, you can supplement in winter on a daily basis. Then you can reduce the dose during the summer, assuming you spend the minimum time in the sun.
- Should you need extra Vitamin D3 because your blood levels are demonstrably low, stick to D3 instead of the massive D2 doses typically prescribed by doctors. You can then start by taking larger daily doses, up to the Upper Intake Level of 4000 IU for two or three months, at which time you should repeat the blood test. The daily dose of D3 varies depending on the test results, so you can consult with your health practitioner about this.
Take a look at this great information graphic courtesy of Information Is Beautiful.
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December 9, 2012
Dear Dr.Vivian:
The video is fantastic!.All your mails, full of knowlege.I’m very greateful
learning a lot.Got bless you and family for Christmas and heathy New Year.
Herminia
July 16, 2012
Here is what I keep asking all medical professional that I run into and no one has an answer “How much D3 can you absorb at a time?” I have read you can only absorb 400 IU of calcium in a 4 hour period, but know one seems to know about D3 I’m talking supplements here.
Vivian any ideas?
May 17, 2012
I have been taking 5000 Vit. D a day. My blood calcium is too high and
they wanted to remove my parathyroid gland. This level is also very high.
A naturopath found that my hypothalamus was causing the problem. After
taking a hypothalamus supplement the levels went down but are still too high. Do you have any ideas on how to lower these levels?
March 1, 2012
Sorry, but ieft out one symptom a medicinal taste in your mouth or a metallic taste is also one of the side effects from too much D,
March 1, 2012
Sorry,I posted a comment on vitamin D on your most recent email site.
D can be dangerous. I trusted my mother’s endocrinologist and what a mistake. After three weeks of fifty thousand i.u.’s she was a mess
everything to hard stools to diarrhea. The primary reduced the rate to
5,000 but within five days the same symptoms appeared. I took her off the
vitamin D until things calm down. My mother’s vitamin D dropped from 46.9
to 35 and we think it was due to a change in how she took D. WE were both taking liquid vitamin D and K by Douglas Labs. We do not know what the problem was but we will not buy it again. We got this from a nutritionist
People should not trust their doctor so much and think twice before taking
High doses of D.
November 11, 2011
This does not have to be a guessing game, get the blood tesT!! I am getting very frustrated with people suggesting what should be taken, you should know better than this…..get the test, and then get sun or supplement accordingly….this gets old! How can you write a page on vitamin D, and not mention a blood test for the level….4000iu may work for some, and some it may not….that simple.
May 23, 2011
Thanks Vivian for your many tips. helps to keep me focused. I have a room in the house that gets lots of sunshine through the glass windows and wonder if I get any vitamin D sitting in the sun in that room?
May 25, 2011
Sorry Maria, the glass filters most of the Vitamin D-producing UV rays.
April 19, 2011
Very interesting!
March 13, 2011
Hi Vivian,
I appreciate your excellent work compiled in your book. Vitamin D research has changed in the last 12 years. I reccomend http://www.vitaminDcouncil.org written by Dr. Cannell. In New England one most likely needs to take 5,000 Vit D3 units a day- or at the least 2,000 units. You can find research papers, correct diagnostic test, correct levels for blood labs, list of top MDs such as Hollick (BosU), Creighton. Good luck, Beth Logan
January 2, 2011
recommendations:————————-
Please go buy a new VITAMIN D Book for good info,
and
note Europe uses a different scale on the Vit D test so let’s understand some confusion.
—
I would say in N. US we need like 4000 IU per day VIT D3 most of the year.
Food will provide almost no D.
———————————-
December 31, 2011
This article contains outdated and useless information. I totally reversed a musculoskeletal disorder of 6 years duration within just a few months by taking 10,000 units of D3 per day, in addition to whatever sun I could get. I still take 10,000 units/day and feel terrific–no adverse effects whatsoever. If I had followed recommendations such as this article offers, along with that of the IOM and the sunblock industry, I would probably be in a wheel chair now!
December 20, 2010
One more thing that isn’t publicized. Synthetic vitamin A found in vitamin pills keeps us from absorbing vitamin D. Vitamin A coming from food doesn’t seem to do the same thing. For that reason alone, I won’t take a multi vitamin.
Taking vitamin D3 at the correct amount for me has saved my hip. It use to be very painful and today it isn’t… all because I upped my intake of D to 2000-3000 I.U.s daily.
I feel very lucky that I happened upon vitamin D recommendation a few years back, it saved me.
December 19, 2010
While 2000 IU/Day D3 seems like a lot, the way to check is to have your blood tested for 25 hydroxy-vitamin D. The “normal range” is 20 – 100 ng/mL. The low end at 20 is based on what is necessary to avoid vitamin D deficiency but may not be enough for optimal health. Some may find that 2000 IU/Day may be enough 20 achieve > 30 ng/mL while others may need to take more to achieve an optimum level. When I was a swimmer many years ago I was probably getting 50,000 IU/Day or more from the sun (no sun screen used). I cannot recommend that level of sun exposure knowing what we do today about skin cancer, but I think the upper limit for D3 intake may be significantly above what the IOM has set.
December 19, 2010
HI Vivien
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME, AND I AM NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN, I COULD SAY I AM 50 YEARS OLD, IN THE PASS I HAD PROBLEMS WITH HEAVY PERIOD, WHEN FOR A TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY 2005, AND APPEAR SOME COMPLICATION PLUS ANAEMIA, THE TREATMENT HYDROCOBALIM INJECTION, ONCE A WEEK FOR EIGHT WEEKS, AND ONCE A MONTHS AND EVERY THREE MONTHS, PLUS CALCICHEW TWICE A DAY, AND FOLIC ACID 5MG TWICE A WEEK TO PRESENT
I DISCOVERED ALL THE BLOOD TEST AND CALCIOUM BEING VERY LOW 110 WITH THE TREATMENT IS GONE UP TO 116-120 AND DROP AGAIN, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY? WAITING RESULTS FOR BLOOD TEST FOR DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN D, BONE PROFILE, ETC. GET MUSCLES ACHES, SHORT BREATH, 2009 WHEN FOR AN X RAY, I KNOW HOW MINIMAL IS THE RADIATION. FOR A WEEK FEEL THE HEAT FLASHING IN MY BODY AND ANOTHER INCONVENIENT VERY OFTEN CHIP TOOTH OR FILLING AND THE USED OF ANAESTHESIA FROM THE DENTIST, THE SENSATION OF LOCKING FOR A SECOND MY JAW
MY OLDER DAUGHTER NOW 26 YEARS OLD, FROM VERY EARLY TEENAGER WAS DEVELOP LUMPS OF CALCIUM DESPOSI WERE IT HURT WHEN IS PRESS, THE ADVICE IS TO DRINK MORE MILK! I KNOW THE SURGERY IS IN THE BUDGET!
I HOPE YOU CAN POINTED TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION WHAT TO DO?
AL
December 19, 2010
After I took the full blood test last month, my doctor said to me:’Your Vietamine D and calcium are enough.”I don’t take any Vitamine D
tablet, but I take 2 times milk-powder a day,
morning & night.
Thank you, in here, wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2011.
December 19, 2010
articles always very interesting,I look forward to receiving them
December 19, 2010
For excellent, science based information on Vitamin D, go to http://www.vitamindcouncil.org.
December 19, 2010
Hi Vivian,
I enjoy reading all the comments. Very interesting! Does Vitamin K2 really help to clear clogged arteries or is Rosemary just referring to Calcium?
I wish you a very Merry Christmas; a Happy and Healthy New Year!
December 19, 2010
Yes, that’s the recent thought. K2 can keep calcium from clogging arteries. Some calcium just doesn’t get absorbed. It can either go out, or hang around where we don’t want it to go. I’ve read that K2, if taken at 150 mcg, can help to unclog arteries. I read that at lef.org. K2 advice has been around for a few years at least, and from other sources.
April 18, 2011
I have done some research on K2 and it apparently scours the muscles and arteries for calcium and redeposits it back into the bones. This helps your bone health and also your heart because of getting rid of the artery buildup. Also it stays in the body longer than K1. It is produced by the gut bacteria which thrives on fermented foods eg yoghurt, sour cream, fermented cheeses, fermented soy sauce etc. This as well as diet could be the answer to so called “osteoporosis”.
December 18, 2010
Hi! Vivian,
I’ve Also Had Skin Cancer. And My Significant Other Is Prone To Skin Cancer Also.
We Both Stayed In The Sun A Lot While Growing Up. But Now In Our Middle Ages We Don’t Stay Out In The Sun Very Much. His Doctor Prescribed Vitamin D To Him About A Year Ago. He Had Two Skin Cancers On His Shoulder Taken Off About 18 Months Ago. And He’s Got Another One, On Top Of His Head That He’s Going To Get Taken Off Within The Next Week Or Two.
I Take A Multi-Vitamin That Has D Vitamins In It, But I Don’t Take It In Any Other Form Except The Little Bit I Get From Going Out In The Sun. That’s About It!
LOVE, MS. L. (LESLIE)
December 18, 2010
Vivian……so what do you take for an organic calcium formula? I am 70 yrs old and in good health. Presently I was taking a calcium with stronium capsule. I recently heard negative info on that. So I stopped them and am on nothing for calcium except for foods that I eat. Barb
December 18, 2010
Well am I a happy bunny today.I have just had the results of my Dexa scan. AMAZING.
DECEMBER 2008. TOTAL SPINE -3.0
L 4 -3.6
DECEMBER 2009 TOTAL SPINE -1.1
FEMR -1.o
DECEMBER 2010. TOTAL SPINE -1.0
HIP -1.8
I refused to take the medication that I was first prescribed, a yearly infusion or tablets. I researched the internet and cameup with ALGAE CAL> I stopped these six months ago and followed SAVE OUR BONES PROGRAM. What a result. Thank you so much.
April 30, 2012
I am amazed at your DEXA results and very envious! You must be very relieved.
Do you mind if I ask how old you are? (Approximately will do.) Only I think the age of the person is very relevant and it’s very difficult to get any idea as to how a successful I might be in improving my bone density when I have no idea whether or not I’m comparing ‘like with like’. Obviously a younger person is going to increase density much more easily than someone, say, in their 60s.
Also, before you found out that you had osteoporosis, were you physically active and did you eat a healthy diet? Did you smoke or drink alcohol? Or, since finding out, have you changed your lifestyle?
I’ve been put on bisphosphonates and have been told by the doctor that because I already did all the right things, I cannot reverse my bone loss without them!
Many thanks for your help.
December 18, 2010
Excellent DEXA results, June! Congratulations… You have effectively gotten rid of osteoporosis.
What a great way to start the New Year!
You know what? Science AND Truth is an awesome combination.
Keep up the great work,
Vivian
December 18, 2010
Thank You so much Vivian for all your good help and advice, have a lovely Christmas and New Year Lots of Love always Jean
December 17, 2010
I was told by my Dr. to take 2500mg. a day since my D was only 29. I’m 77 yrs. old.What is the difference between mg. and Iu
December 18, 2010
Recommended 4000 limit is OK by me. What is the danger if more is taken?
December 17, 2010
I was Vit D deficient about 15months ago. Sick often. GP picked up thru a blood test as she also picked up the fact I was Coeliac after many years of suffering – I used to weigh in at 47kgs- now 64kgs. My immune system has been affected but gradually picking up. GP prescribed 100,000 Vit D3 IU monthly in form of an oil based dose for past 15 months and my Vit D reading is now 124 (was 55) Supposed to be between 58 – 160. Have had a few fractures although just under the limit for normal calcium reading. I am feeling so much better and although it has been a stressful year and rather cold for South Australia I have had no colds or constant mouth ulcers and my bones don’t even ache half as much. I think that this is amazing – perhaps it’s the Vit D improvement????
December 18, 2010
No one seems to know what the danger of over dosing Vit D. I take 4000 units per day in all my food and drink. I take a multiple that has now increased its Vit D to 1000 units per tablet. I will have to adjust my other intakes to keep this at 4000. Please advise what harm overdosing does.
July 2, 2012
I was taking 3000iu a day. 79years old. Ended up in ER 3 times with heart rate of 200.Shortness of breath. Had(heart) all tests and heart is good. Also had muscle cramps in legs,toes,feet. Drs. couldn’t explain. Treated me for anxiety. I researched the overdose of Vitamin D3 and it could be fatal. So went off the high dose and am sticking with 800IU which are in my daily vitamin’s. Since I have cut out the high dose I have been feeling better every day. Takes a few days to get out of system.
December 18, 2010
Please can you say something about nail health and the best treatment to get rid of ridges and flaking.
What is the deficiency here ?
With many thanks. Moira Maidment
December 19, 2010
I take B9 (biotin) for nail ridges and for hair loss. If I see too much hair falling, I get it in quickly and keep taking it till I don’t notice it any longer on my shoulders. It seems to work. You have to find your own dosage. Start at 600 mcg’s and work up if needed to see desired results.
December 17, 2010
Vivian, Thank you, very much, for all your information and all the other comments. It is all, very helpful.
December 17, 2010
Now I read that you also need to have magnesium included in order for the calcium and Vit. D to be absorbed. Today I also read something in the paper about Vit. K2. You also need enough Vit. K2 (MenaQ7). How does one ever know if your body is absorbing the vitamins and minerals you eat. I get confused.
December 17, 2010
Hello Vivian.
Can you give me any information on ALGAECAL Supplement.
Thanks for your News Letter.
Regards,
Clive.
December 17, 2010
3 things
1. the ability of our skin to synthesise vitamin D from sunlight decreases as we age (yet another ‘benefit’ of aging!)
2. in south-eastern Aust, we are nearly all vitamin D deficient. I have seen 4 normal vitamin D path results in 4 years – unless the patient is taking vit D supplementation
3. i understand that in Aust D2 supplements have been taken off the market, and a good thing too, as vit D3 is the one that makes the difference
Thanks Vivian for the reminder of how important vitamin D is.
December 17, 2010
When I was first tested for my Vit. D level I was at 72. I have severe Osteoprosis and both my Dr. and I agreed that was not good enough. I started our taking 2000 IU a day and a year later reached 86. The next year I took 5000IU a day and it finally started to move–reached 106. This past year I took 10,000 IU a day and reached 165 which I am happy with. This is the amount I will continue to take to keep the levels up there. I am 66 years old and at this age the amount i would absorb from the sun would be negligible. I live in an area where we have the 4 seasons and I am outdoors a great deal. I have no concerns about hitting a toxic level of Vit D. I believe you would have to be around the 250 level. My husband reached 175 taking 10,000IU. He has continued taking 10,000 units this past year and was just tested again and he has actually dropped a bit–156. I test my levels on a yearly basis. I think it is so important to know your levels and then you can decide what is right for you. Everybody is different. I have read that you should be around the 175 level to get all the full benefits of Vit.D—great immune system , Cancer prevention etc.
Thank you again Vivian for sharing all your knowlege with us.
Best regards,
Karen
December 17, 2010
I recently received a newsletter stating that people over 60 should take 5,000 IU of D3 every day. I purchased some 1,000 and 2,000 IU softgels.
Can I take these daily? With Winter here now I won’t be going outdoors as often.
February 4, 2011
Sorry I sent that long letter about Vit D3 and my history and now see that you have already answered it. I can see it is all individual and you just need to keep checking every 3 month to see if you are on the right tract.thanks, your are really with it. FLORA
December 17, 2010
I had a lot of leg cramps during those years when I was Vit D deficient. I also had breast cancer (which could have possibly been prevented if my vit D level had not been “25″).
Now, 3 years later, I take 3,000 – 4,000 D3 and still have trouble keeping my level in the 70-90 range. I think anyone who has had serious life-threatening disease needs to keep their D3 levels in the higher range.
December 17, 2010
Almond milk, rice milk, soy milk all have D2 in them. Organic cows milk has D3, as do all other kinds of cows milk (yes, I remember that most of are not drinking cows milk anymore).
December 17, 2010
Hi Vivien,
I agree that we need vitamin D3, but probably, we who live in the North need about 3,000-5,000 daily. When I lowered my dose, my vitamin D level dropped quite quickly. The Vitamin D Council (Dr. Cannell) believes that most adults need a lot more than the daily recommendations of 600-800.
Thanks for all your info.
Esther
December 17, 2010
Skin cancer never killed anyone, but lack of Vit. D3 kills millions. Skin Cancer, (basal cell carcinoma) is easily treated by dermatologist, or the you could use my method that I developed more than a decade ago: Mix aloe vera gel with Sodium Ascorbate Crystals, (a form of Vitamin C). Apply to the skin, cover with a bandage to keep in from drying. In a few days the cancer will be eradicated.
Never use sun block. It is carcinogenic, can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Never take Cholesterol drugs. Vitamin D is made from cholesterol radiated by the sun in our skin.
September 22, 2011
I wish i’d seen your cure sooner.I’m having mine removed in a couple of weeks.If I get any more I will certainly try your method.About the sun causing cancer?mine is on a part of the body that has never been exposed to the sun.
December 17, 2010
I must correct you; skin cancer can spread to organs – I personally know a gentleman who died from melanoma (spreading to organs) First he lost his nose and it went from there. My mother lost a portion of her face. I am light skinned and have been warned by dermatologists to avoid sun, use sun blocks etc… now w/ostep issues I still avoid the sun and take d3 supplements. It’s important to stay true to what we personally need to do.
September 22, 2011
basal cell carcinoma is harmless and can be treated you must be confusing it with malignant melanoma which can be deadly if it is’nt caught early.
December 17, 2010
Dear Vivienne
Thank you very much for this advice. A skin doctor told me to use a sun block daily! Certainly people say my skin is very good but I was alarmed by your report that advises it can cause cancer. How can I protect my skin if I give this up.
Very many thanks
Ann Gates
December 17, 2010
A good article which everyone should read regarding Vit D, sun exposure which is good for you.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/07/18/vitamin-d-sunshine-advocate-still-under-attack.aspx
December 17, 2010
Sorry if someone has already noted this: just ask your doctor for blood test which measures the usable form of vitamin D in your bloodstream. It is covered by insurance including medicare which I am on, and never been billed. It took well over 2000 IU per day just to get me into the mid range of normal. I live just a few hundred feet from Lake Superior, so you know i’M up north.
December 17, 2010
There is a lots of information in this article, i like it and will make sure to take at least 400 per day.Thank you.Rae
December 17, 2010
Are you aware of the DNA testing that is available to determine the viability of D receptors? My mother — after parallel and spontaneous fractures of BOTH femurs (she was on Fosamax for many years…) — had DNA testing done. It showed that both of her D receptors were defective and one of her calcitonin was defective (i.e. the calcitonin receptors were partially defective). Instead of “shooting in the dark” to determine her D3 needs, we know specifically what needs to be adjusted and are giving 5,000 iu per day and testing levels every few months. They are creeping up slowly. The D receptor damage may be related to her sister’s ricketts, experienced as a teenager. She had even more problems in later life, and made the mistake of taking Fosamax, which I’m convinced made her condition worse (more on that another time…)
December 17, 2010
The importance of Vitamin D (especially D3) is discussed at mercola.com. Levels “recommended” are not adequate.
)
Dr. Mercola has mentioned Vivian favorably quite a few time’s.
Also looking at the food chart in regards to the mention of margarine. Do NOT ever eat margarine.
December 17, 2010
HI VIVIAN, THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION ON VIT.D3.
CAN PEOPLE BENEFIT FRON THE SUNLIGHT USING SUNSCREEN? (SINCE THEY DON’T PROTECT 100 %)
THANK YOU VIVIAN
December 19, 2010
Hi Irma,
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing sunscreen will decrease the skin’s production of vitamin D. They recommend supplemental D3 if sunscreen is applied on skin. You can basically not count on much D production while wearing sunscreen, although of course the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of your sunscreen will have some influence on this.
December 17, 2010
How much Vitamin D do children need in the cold weather and winter? My grandkids are 8 and 12. I haven’t seen any article that discusses the amount of Vitamin D that children need when they aren’t able to get sun exposure.
December 19, 2010
Hi Wanda,
Here are the IOM recommendations for children:
• Everyone ages 1 to 70 should take 600 IU daily.
• The safe upper limit for infants up to 6 months is 1000 IU daily.
• The safe upper limit for infants 6 to 12 months is 1500 IU daily.
• The safe upper limit for children 1 to 3 years old is 2500 IU daily.
• The safe upper limit for children 4 to 8 years old is 3000 IU daily.
• The safe upper limit for everyone older than 8 is 4000 IU daily.
December 17, 2010
I would just like to say how much you are help-
ing me understand my Bones, and what to do to
strengthen them, if it wasn,t for you we would
not know any difference about what the Pharma-
cutical companies are giving to our doctors
for us. Thank you so much.
And I would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy & Holy New Year. Keep
up the good work. Lea
December 17, 2010
I’ve been taking calcium and vitamin D3 tablets for 3 months, prescribed by the doctor, because I am taking steroids, with no problems. Then I was chewing my Calcichew and broke a crown on one of my teeth! The dentist said that these tablets are very hard, which is correct. This is going to be expensive to replace. Since then I break up my tablet and mix it with food. Just to advise other people taking their Calcichew, if you have a lot of crowns and bridges, be careful, don’t want to ruin your expensive dental work.
December 17, 2010
The only real way to know if you have a deficiency in D is to get a blood test called Vitamin D 25-hydroxy. I get it done yearly when I do my cholesterol testing.
Though I take 2000 I. U.’s daily of D3, I cannot get my level up to where it be a benefit to me to ward off diseases. 60 is the level I’m trying for.
I’ve learned early on about the importance of getting calcium absorbed which can’t be overstated. D helps to get that done, and K2 helps to keep calcium from sticking in our arteries and clogging them up. Even calcium from food needs some absorption help other vitamins and minerals.
December 18, 2010
So true! Thanks for sharing, Rosemary.
I would add, though, that 60 is quite a high level; anything in the 40′s is good.
December 17, 2010
Hello Vivian,
Have just written a lovely long message but computer is telling me I have duplicated it,I assumming it is because it is full of praise,
so all I will say now is THANK YOU OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
Jean
December 17, 2010
Hi Vivian, as always you are a mind of imformation and a saviour to countless woman.
I use what is benificial to me and cannot bear to think what state I would be in now if I had not followed your advise Four lots of medication that didn’t work anyway and I think I have a problem absorbing my vit and mineral means that your advise and imformation has been even more importment to me.
Again thank you.
Jean
December 18, 2010
You’re very welcome, Jean!
December 17, 2010
There is evidently some evidence that Vitamin D (D3) can cause severe muscle cramping. I had this happen after taking 1000 IU for several days. Stopped taking it – there is D3 in my calcium tab. and I do get outside every day.