More and more research is validating the importance of Vitamin D for our overall health. Referred to as “the sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is unlike any other vitamin in that it can be produced by the body when exposed to sunlight!
Vitamin D is an important regulator of calcium and helps cells communicate. Research indicates Vitamin D has important functions in the strength of the immune system, brain development, cardiovascular health, and anti-cancer efforts.
Unfortunately, most Americans (children included) are deficient in Vitamin D. That makes supplementation with Vitamin D3 especially important.
The Vitamin D Council recommends infants take 1,000 IU/day, children take 1,000 IU/day per 25lbs of body weight, and adults take 5,000 IU/day. I personally supplement with Vitamin D3 every day, and recommend thatmost of my patients do the same.
For more precise recommendations, consider getting a 25(OH)D test to check your Vitamin D levels. Ideal levels are between 40-80 ng/ml.
Visit the Vitamin D Council to learn more.
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