The Importance of Vitamin D
In my practice treating infections, chronic illness, COVID, and weight-related conditions, the topic of vitamin D deficiency comes up often. Vitamin D plays over 200 roles in the body and is essential for immunity, energy metabolism, cellular growth, and more. More than half of our human cells have receptors for vitamin D, highlighting its importance in overall health.
Understanding Vitamin D Levels
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) defined vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH)D] levels:
However, these values were based on bone health, not immunity or chronic illness. In 2011, the Endocrine Society recommended levels above 30 ng/ml, but emerging research suggests that levels between 50-90 ng/ml are necessary for functional health and 80+ ng/ml for optimal health.
Factors Influencing Vitamin D
Your vitamin D levels are influenced by:
Since vitamin D3 has a short half-life (1-2 days), but its metabolized form lasts 2-3 weeks, testing the 25-OH hydroxy vitamin D is the best way to assess your levels. Click here to order your test.
Supplementing Vitamin D
If you’re deficient, it can take months to achieve optimal levels with 5,000 IU daily. However, prescription-strength 50,000 IU vitamin D is highly absorbable, low-cost (~$3 for a 3-month supply), and often covered by insurance.
Both vitamin K2 and vitamin D have anti-cancer properties. Click here to request a prescription-strength vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D and Weight
Weight Loss
Studies suggest vitamin D can help with weight loss by:
Weight Gain
Conversely, low vitamin D levels contribute to weight gain by:
My Perspective on Vitamin D Testing
Given the obesity epidemic and rising cases of long COVID and frequent infections, I find it concerning that the Endocrine Society (July 2024) recommended against routine vitamin D testing for the general population. Their rationale is that only specific groups—such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and children—need supplementation without testing.
However, I believe most people are not in optimal health. Of those I test, only 10-15% have levels at or above 70 ng/ml.
What About Your Vitamin D Levels?
I am offering vitamin D testing at no extra cost during your next visit. I can submit this through insurance, or you can use Ulta Labs, which offers discounted testing through Quest Labs. Lab costs are:
Click here to schedule your visit and test your vitamin D levels.
If your levels are low, treatment may be as simple as adjusting your daily dose. If prescription vitamin D is needed, you can request it here.
For a full supplementation guide, check out the IMA Health Protocol here.
Sincerely,
Anna Yoder, DNP, APRN, ANP/GNP-BC
References:
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