Vitamin D

Quick Facts
Produced in the body by sunlight on the skin (more...)
Deficiency causes a disease called rickets (more...)
Not too many foods contain vitamin D (more...)
Studies suggest it may play a positive role in cancer prevention including breast cancer (more...)

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Vitamin D is a currently a point of study which is undergoing a significant amount of research and debate.

Do I need it?

Yes, vitamin D is considered one of the “essential nutrients”. Without it your body cannot maintain sustained regular function. So the question is how much do I get and how do I get it?

How much do I need?

That depends on your age. There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D, but there is an “Adequate Intake” (AI) value. These are grouped into what’s now termed “Dietary Reference Intakes” (DRI). The AI or DRI value for vitamin D depends on your age and whether or not you’re pregnant or lactating. See chart and read more about “How Much”...

Do I get enough in my food?

Perhaps a more appropriate question might be “Do I get enough in my food and sunlight exposure?”

Food

Typically an 8-oz glass of milk provides 25% of the 400 IU for vitamin D. Other than fortified milk and eggs, the typical western foods are relatively low in vitamin D. More...

Sunlight exposure

Sunlight? Your skin, when exposed to sunlight, produces vitamin D...and not just a little bit. For example, just 15 minutes of sun exposure can produce in our bodies many times the “Adequate Intake” (AI). Read more about sunlight exposure and vitamin D production...

Which foods are high in Vitamin D?

Fish liver oils, flesh of fatty fish, vitamin D fortified milk.... There aren't too many foods that contain a lot of vitamin D. See the list...

Conditions linked with too little Vitamin D (deficiency)

Rickets, cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, autoimmunity, and much more

Conditions linked with too much Vitamin D (toxicity)

Hypercalcemia is one...but it takes a whole lot of vitamin D to get there. Read more...

Disclaimer: The information on this web site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a physician or appropriate licensed health care professional before starting any diet, supplementation or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting with your physician.