

But it seems fairly common for older adults who dont take a supplement to have low levels. Probably there are some elderly farmers out there who get enough sun to maintain a good level without taking a supplement. I find that when I check vitamin D in an older patient who is not taking a supplement, they virtually always have a low level. I do end up checking vitamin D levels sometimes in my practice, because many of my patients have severe osteoporosis, or sometimes an abnormal blood calcium level. People with certain conditions may require a different type of test.

For most people, the test would be for the 25D level. In this case, most experts recommend a repeat vitamin D blood test after 3-4 months of treatment. On the other hand, if you have been diagnosed with a serious vitamin D deficiency, your doctor will likely recommend a higher dose of vitamin D supplementation. The idea is that if people take a daily vitamin D supplement as recommended above, theyll be highly unlikely to have a vitamin D level that is too low or too high. Older patients and those with dark skin pigmentation are also in the high-risk group. At-risk patients can also include those who have health conditions that prevent proper nutrient absorption.

People who are at risk of vitamin deficiency include those who live in climates that dont get a lot of sun and people who eat a diet low in the nutrient, such as a vegan diet. Around 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in the nutrient. Vitamin D deficiency is more common than many people realize. Vitamin D also helps your body maintain a strong immune system, and it plays a part in regulating cell growth and communication between cells. The mineral calcium is crucial for strong, healthy bones, so without sufficient vitamin D, your bones will grow soft and weak. While it has several functions, the most important role of vitamin D is to help your body absorb calcium from food passing through your small intestine and then regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream. These vitamins are absorbed better when consumed with high-fat foods, and they are stored in the liver and fatty tissue throughout the body. Vitamin D is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins, along with vitamins A, E, and K. 10 Best Vitamins & Supplements for Boosting Energy & Mood
