NPR’s broadcast on Vitamin D informs us that the FDA’s Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin D is 200-600 IUs (international units) per day. New research indicates a dose of at least 1000 IUs per day is needed to be beneficial. The RDI can be achieved by exposing 30% of skin to sunlight for 30 minutes for fair skin, 45 minutes for darker skin.
In actuality, the therapeutic dose of Vitamin D is between 1,000-10,000 IUs per day. The appropriate dosage depends on the condition being addressed as well as the level of two forms of vitamin D that can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]. 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is used most often to assess and monitor vitamin D status.
Vitamin D can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Deficiency has been linked to autism, autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and chronic skin conditions
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Supplementation is usually in the form of liquid drops or capsules.
Sources: Medical Nutrition from Marz
Lab Tests Online (www.labtestsonline.org)
Mayo Clinic Online (www.mayoclinic.com)
In actuality, the therapeutic dose of Vitamin D is between 1,000-10,000 IUs per day. The appropriate dosage depends on the condition being addressed as well as the level of two forms of vitamin D that can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D]. 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is used most often to assess and monitor vitamin D status.
Vitamin D can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Deficiency has been linked to autism, autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and chronic skin conditions
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Supplementation is usually in the form of liquid drops or capsules.
Sources: Medical Nutrition from Marz
Lab Tests Online (www.labtestsonline.org)
Mayo Clinic Online (www.mayoclinic.com)