Vitamin D imageVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps the body absorb calcium and plays a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy bones. In children, adequate vitamin D is important for the prevention of rickets. And in adults, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a greater incidence of hip fracture. Increased intakes of vitamin D, on the other hand, have been associated with less bone loss in older women. This has led some researchers to believe that vitamin D supplementation may help prevent fractures resulting from osteoporosis.

Vitamin D may also play a role in a number of other conditions as well. For example, vitamin D deficiency has been related to muscle weakness and pain. In one study, patients with low back pain received high doses of vitamin D for 3 months, which resulted in significant improvement of their symptoms.

Also, there is some research to suggest that this supplement may play a role in cancer prevention. Vitamin D receptors have been found in breast and prostate tissue, implying that such a link does exist. Additionally, there is some evidence hinting that low levels may play a role in the development of high blood pressure. There is also preliminary research suggesting that long-term vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of multiple sclerosis.

People who are at a high risk for vitamin D deficiencies are the elderly, those who get minimal sun exposure, those with darker skin, or those who use sunscreen whenever outside. Also, people with conditions that may impact intestinal absorption, such as Crohn's disease, are at risk.

In addition, infants that are breastfed require additional supplementation with vitamin D starting within the first days of life. Requirements for pregnant women are the same as for healthy adults. Some believe that pregnant mothers should take more vitamin D than recommended. However, since there is an increased risk of vitamin D toxicity with increased intake, such recommendations need to be discussed individually with a doctor.

The recommended intakes for vitamin D are:

Age (years)Recommended Dietary Allowance
(IU/day)
0-12 months 400 (adequate intake)
1-70 years600
71 years and older800
Pregnant and breastfeeding women600

Sources of vitamin d

Vitamin D is found in some foods, but the main sources are fortified milk and sunlight. The ultraviolet rays of the sun react with cholesterol present on the skin and create previtamin D3. This compound goes through a series of reactions involving the kidneys and the liver, and the final product is vitamin D.

Most people's bodies can make enough vitamin D with 5-30 minutes of sun exposure twice weekly. However, this synthesis is affected by age, season, latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and skin pigmentation.

Other food sources of vitamin D include:

FoodServing size Vitamin D content
(IU)
Cod liver oil1 tablespoon1,360
Salmon, cooked3 ounces447
Tuna fish, canned in water3 ounces154
Sardines, canned in oil2 sardines46
Milk, vitamin D fortified1 cup115-124
Margarine, fortified1 tablespoon60
Liver, beef, cooked3 ounces42
Egg (vitamin D is in the yolk)1 large41

Tips for increasing your vitamin d intake

  • Eat fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, 2 times per week.
  • Drink vitamin D-fortified milk.
  • Get sun exposure, but be careful to watch for sunburn. Sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer. If you will be out in the sun for more than a few minutes, it is important to protect against skin cancer by wearing protective clothing or putting on sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or more. In most northern climates, winter sun is too obstructed and low in the sky to allow vitamin D synthesis in the skin. In the winter, vitamin D supplements or multiple servings of milk and fatty fish may be necessary for good health.