Vitamin D

Adequate Vitamin D is essential to decrease bone loss and the risk of fracture. Vitamin D is normally made in the skin after exposure to sunlight.

There are a number of reasons someone may have inadequate Vitamin D levels, including:

• Inadequate dietary Vitamin D
• Sun block or minimal sun exposure
• Inadequate absorption of Vitamin D due to gastrointestinal illness or surgery
• Normal aging

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all adults consume 800-1000 IU/day of Vitamin D per day. Milk is the best dietary source of Vitamin D with approximately 100 IU per cup.

Normal 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels range from 30-100ng/dl.

If your level is between 20-30ng/ml, we recommend that you take 800-1000 mg of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) daily.

If your level is less than 20ng/ml, we recommend 50,000 units of Vitamin D2 or D3 once a week followed by 800-1000 mg of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) daily.

A repeat level should be checked 3 months after supplementation. Once you are in the normal range, maintenance doses of Vitamin D can be accomplished by taking 1600-2000IU/day of Vitamin D3 (available over the counter).

In addition, please ensure a daily intake of 1200-1500 elemental calcium. Calcium is best absorbed when taken in divided doses with meals.

The National Osteoporosis website, NOF.org, has additional information.