How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?
Vitamin D is important for your health. Studies have shown that vitamin
D can help keep your brain heathy, your bones strong, and even fend off
cancer in some cases. A deficiency of this vitamin can result in diseases
and other harmful effects to your body. So how much vitamin D do you need
to be at an optimal healthy intake?
The range of suggested vitamin D intake varies greatly. While the Institute
of Medicine changed the recommended intake amount to 600 IU/day, other
medical experts have contested that this is far too low. With lack of
sun exposure on a regular basis, vitamin D deficiency can be a real and
serious concern.
Sources of Vitamin D
You may have heard someone say that a little sunshine is all you need to
get your daily dose of vitamin D. While sunshine can be beneficial and
help spur your body on to make vitamin D, the risk of skin cancer and
seasonal sunshine can make this a poor go-to source for vitamin D. If
you need to add a little more vitamin D to your diet, it can actually
be easier than you think.
Here are some delicious and healthy sources of vitamin D:
- Fatty, oily fish like cooked trout, smoked salmon, or mackerel
- Portabello mushrooms
- Whole grain cereals
- Butter, goat’s milk, and several other dairy products
- Pork such as spare ribs, pork sausage, and extra lean ham
- Hard boiled eggs
- Almond milk or soymilk
How Much Should I Really Be Getting?
Some recommend a dose of 1,000 UI/day, with a maximum of 4,000 IU/day.
While this number can seem high, taking supplements along with eating
a more balanced diet can provide the ideal vitamin D target range. The
simplest way to figure out if you need more vitamin D is to talk with
your doctor.
Before changing your diet or boosting your vitamin D intake, discuss your
situation with a physician. They can help you make the best judgement
call for how much of this helpful vitamin you need for ideal health.
Set up an appointment at Whittier Hospital Medical Center if you would
like to speak with a doctor about your daily dose of vitamin D!
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.