Most of us have low vitamin D levels now-a-days.  It is most likely due to us being indoors more and our better use of sunscreen.  Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include muscle pain, bone pain and tingling -which may not seem so bad but vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with worsening of asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart health and high blood pressure.

In general, to help prevent vitamin D deficiency, a safe bet is to take 1000-2000 IU/ day of vitamin D for adults and 400IU/day for infants and kids.  Supplements are usually the best deal because it is hard to get enough vitamin D through diet -a glass of milk only has 100IU!  But if you are deteremined to increase vitamin D levels by diet -milk, fish, fortified food, egg yolk and fish liver oil. And get outside and allow your body to soak up some vitamin D from the sun!

Just a note here -vitamin D is available as D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) -both are okay but D3 is more potent.

When vitamin D levels are way too low, some patients will be started on prescription vitamin D 50,000 IU.  These supplements are usually taken weekly until levels normalize -then they are taken monthly.

The problem here is that physicians start patients on weekly vitamin D 50,000IU capsules and forget to change them to monthly…which can lead to vitamin D toxicity.

Vitamin D toxicity is rare.  Symptoms consist of fatigue, nausea/vomiting, weakness and kidney problems.  If you have been taking vitamin D 50,000 IU weekly for more than 4 months -give your physician a call and ask them to check on your vitamin D levels.

Are you taking a vitamin D supplement?  We would love to hear about it! Go ahead and leave us a comment 🙂

Want to know about Vitamin D and Kids?  Read this article.