Tip of the Day
People who chew sugar-free gum after lunch consume 60 fewer calories during their afternoon snack, one study showed.
read more
Your Best Self Blog
Do You Get Enough D?
BY: Dr Michael Holick
Do you know what your vitamin D levels are?
You should. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to many cancers, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and more -- while high levels protect against these diseases. In addition, research shows that getting enough D can make it easier to drop weight.
What to look for: The next time you get your cholesterol checked, ask your doctor to check your D levels as well. (The same blood test can do both.) Levels between 50 and 80 ng/ml are essential to experience the benefits, depending on your age, weight, overall health and individual amount of exposure to the sun.
What to take: Until you’re tested, take a daily supplement that contains approximately 5000 IU of vitamin D a day. (Amounts up to 10,000 IU have repeatedly been proven safe.) Children under the age of one should take 1000 IU a day; kids older than one should take 1000 IU for every 25 pounds (11 kg) of their body weight. If possible, take your D with the biggest meal of the day for the best absorption. D comes in two forms: D2 or D3. Either one is fine. Personally, I take 2700 IU of D.
And when summer rolls around again, consider spending a little time outside without sunscreen so you can absorb D the way nature intended. I don’t bake in the sun, but I don’t wear sunscreen while cycling or playing tennis except for on my face. Fifteen minutes in the sun before 11am and after 3pm should be enough to cover your daily D needs, recommends the Cancer Council Australia.
Dr Michael Holick author of The Vitamin D Solution: A 3-step Strategy to Cure Our Most Common Health Problem. This is his first article appearing in Oral Care and Health Daily (Australia & New Zealand).
Leave a Comment
mariam kasab
Posted on May 23, 2011
hi my age is 40 and i have very low in vitamine D is the vitamine D3 1000 iu enough for me thank u.
Robbie
Posted on May 27, 2011
 Is is safe to take vitamin D3 while on Simvastatin Tablets Iam taking 10mg.
Marie
Posted on June 8, 2011
It is important to note that darker skinned people tend to take far longer (6-10 times longer) to absorb D3 from sunlight. As a result they are far more likely given similar exposure to sunlight to be D deficient. It is important for all darker skinned people living in higher latitudes to regularly check D3 levels.
Name
Posted on June 10, 2011
Hi my age is 62 & the result of vit D blood test is 33.2/lit .how much vit D intake is enough for me every day?thanx
brandon
Posted on June 11, 2011
hi just wondering how long can you take vitamin D tablets for if your level are low
Cathy Turner
Posted on August 16, 2011
Thanks for this brief but excellent article. I'm gathering information for a post on my blog to do with the confusion people have from the over-information on 'eating healthy' - they are completely confused. People with immunity issues need things from foods that people with heart disease, diabetes, bone density, anemic people, obese, and cancer patients, don't - But for the average family they find it hard to be clear about eating. Too many pamphlets in doctors rooms and not enough general commonsense being talked and taught. thisweekwiththekids.blogspot
silvano du bois
Posted on August 17, 2011
hi is vitamin D any help for diabetes? thank you!
Lorraine Walker
Posted on August 17, 2011
Is vitamin d helpfull with treating depression and anxiety
parveen
Posted on August 19, 2011
The best and the most simple explanation about vit.D. Recently I went for my blood test and was told that my vitamin D was extremely low ,so i was given supplements . I have been taking that as well as three serves of calcium( a bowl of yoghurt, and two glasses of milk). I think , my general health has improved a lot. I have less hair fall as well, I wonder if it was lack of vitamin D or calcium that was causing this problem. Parveen
Lisa
Posted on August 21, 2011
Hi there, im 26 years old have just found out on top of endometriosis, PCOS, low blood pressure, low iron i also have low vitamin D. I have been TTC for 4 years and 2 months. should I take extra as my level is very low plus in ttc??? I read that low vitamin d is another cause of infertility.
dawn
Posted on August 27, 2011
I want to know about Boron. I heard that it is good for the bones and osteoporosis and how much should I take and where can I get from
Jo
Posted on August 30, 2011
A small amount of the population are sensitive to Vit D pills (not sunshine) and toxicity or vitamenosis can occur causing symtoms including calcium deposits outside the bones, urinary and kidney problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, headaches, nausea/vomitting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, lack of energy, irregular bowel motions, photophobia,weight loss, itcy skin, muscle, bone and unusual teeth pain etc etc. Do some research. I have just spent a week in intensive care with suspected overdose from taking only 2000iu a day. My kidneys nearly shut down and my heart rate was 130, along with many unusual symtoms that had the doctors stumped for days.
Margaret
Posted on September 25, 2011
Can you get vitamin D through a window. I have a sunroom were the sun comes in every day. Will I get enough vit D through the glass? Thank you
Neil Hilford
Posted on September 26, 2011
There are higher levels of uvb at mid day. Earlier or later exposure invites the more dangerous uva radiation. Dr. Neil
Janet
Posted on September 27, 2011
I have had a melanoma, can I still sit in the sun in a sensible way? The doctors say NO! Could you comment please?
VIVIENNE FERRETTI
Posted on September 28, 2011
COULD YOU GIVE ME THE NAME OF A SURGEON WHO WILL DO THE MINI VERSION ON THE PARATHYROID GLAND, I LIVE IN NELSON NEWZEALAND TKANK YOU VIV
John Anderson
Posted on October 5, 2011
I had a heart attack 1 1/2 years ago and my ion count is down what type of food can I eat beside beef to increase my ion
Margaret Upsher
Posted on October 25, 2011
My elder daughter has been diagnosed with Haemachromatosis at age 28, my younger daughter at age 25 has found that she is severely Vit D deficient. She is being tested for the Haemachromatosis gene as both my husband and I appear to be carriers. The 25year old is a twin and had slight rickets as a baby. Could the Haemachromatosis gene be linked to Vit D difficiency? Thanks Margaret Upsher
Janie
Posted on December 2, 2011
I have had MS for 35years & am wheelchair bound. How important is Vitamin D & how much should I take. I am getting a blood test next week to see what my levels are. Thank you for your help.
vicky
Posted on December 13, 2011
hi I am a mild ms sufferer for the last 20 years. I've just been told by my doctor that my vitamin D levels are 35. he has recommended I take the vitamin D called Ostellin. 5 tablets daily for 1 month and 2 daily for the rest of my life
From Our Sponsor
Blog
Catriona Rowntree’s Health Secrets
Catriona Rowntree of Network Nine shares the secrets to her glowing good health.
Read More Blog ArchiveQuiz
Osteoporosis can lead to:
Recent Features
5 Biggest Flossing Mistakes
Not flossing often enough is just the beginning. Here are the top blunders and how to correct them to ensure your mouth is healthy.
Read More
Tweak Your Habits, Energize Your Life
Science has repeatedly shown that breaking out of even your most basic everyday routines vastly improves your mood and health. Here are four easy tips to make change happen now.
Read More
