Vitamin D is synthesized in the body from sunlight. But, due to the winter season, weather conditions, and sunscreen blockers, the body’s ability to produce optimal vitamin D levels may be inhibited.79 In fact, it has been proposed that annual fluctuations in vitamin D levels explain the seasonality of influenza.80 All of these factors point to the value of taking a daily vitamin D supplement to ensure optimal vitamin D intake.

Vitamin D has long provided significant support for healthy bone density.81-86 However, scientists have also validated the critical role that vitamin D plays in regulating healthy cell division and differentiation, and its profound effects on human immunity.87-90 These findings link a deficiency of vitamin D to a host of common age-related problems. The current RDA is only 400 IU. As a result of startling evidence of a widespread vitamin D deficiency, prominent nutritional scientists are calling on Americans to increase their vitamin D intake to 1000 IU per day and higher. Currently, most experts in the field believe that intakes of between 1000 and 4000 IU for adults will lead to a more healthy level of serum 25(OH)D, at approximately 75 nmol/L.

Life Extension® recommends that healthy adults supplement each day with at least 1000 IU of vitamin D. Elderly adults may benefit from higher doses such as 2000 IU daily, and even up to 5000 IU daily.

For those who need to take very high doses of vitamin D3 and are under a physician’s supervision, Life Extension now makes available a 5,000-IU vitamin D3 supplement. Regular CBC/Chemistry blood tests are suggested when taking this 5,000-IU vitamin D supplement to guard against a very low risk of kidney toxicity or hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood).

Individuals consuming more than 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D (from diet and supplements) should periodically obtain a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement. Toxicity is very unlikely in healthy individuals at a dose of less than 10,000 IU. Vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for individuals with hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels). People with kidney disease, certain medical conditions (such as hyperparathyroidism or sarcoidosis), and those who use cardiac glycosides (digoxin) or thiazide diurectics should consult a physician before using supplemental vitamin D.