There is a lot of conflicting information on the web about Vitamin D. Some sites will tell you there is no need for taking vitamin D supplements and others will tell you there is good reason to take vitamin D supplements. There are many benefits to taking vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. It stimulates type one interferon which protects against bacteria and viruses. It is therefore useful in the outpatient treatment of bacterial and viral conditions, including COVID.
Vitamin D was originally described in 1936 and the World Health Organizations considers it an essential nutrient. It is the 60th most commonly prescribed medication and is important in bone health, immune health, and growth.
Your body makes Vitamin D in your skin—the skin of your face, arms, and legs—in response to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. You should try to get 5 to 30 minutes of sunlight twice a week. You can also get vitamin D from your food. It is found naturally in the liver of a fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese. Some of our foods are fortified with vitamin D such as milk, margarine, yoghurt, and fruit juices.
You will need to decide whether you think the evidence indicates you should take vitamin D supplements, but if you do take vitamin D, how much should you take? The usual therapeutic dose is considered to be between 800 to 2,000 IU (international units) per day. Yes, it is safe to take vitamin D during pregnancy and you will find it in prenatal vitamins.
Normal blood levels of vitamin D can range between 20 to 50 ng/mL. Normal levels of vitamin D are associated with lower levels of coronary artery calcification. Vitamin D is used to treat rickets, low parathyroid levels, and low phosphate levels.
Low vitamin D 3 levels are associated with low testosterone in males and an increased risk of cancers including colon cancer, and also multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
Vitamin D is oil-based, meaning your body does not eliminate excess levels of vitamin D easily. Too much vitamin D can lead to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney stones. More than 100 ng/mL. Greater than 40,000 IU is considered a toxic dose.
Most over-the-counter vitamin pills contain vitamin D, although the amount of vitamin D in the tablets or liquids will vary from brand to brand. If you have any concerns about whether you are getting enough vitamin D, especially if you live in an area with little sunshine or long nights during the winter, you might be concerned about your vitamin D levels. Your doctor can take a blood test to establish whether or not your vitamin D levels are within the range of normal
