Is your vitamin D supplement unnecessary?
If your diet isn’t rich in dairy or you haven’t been in the sun lately, you may worry you are vitamin D deficient. But not everyone needs a vitamin D test, according to the Endocrine Society.
Vitamin D is essential. It keeps your bones strong, reduces inflammation and boosts your immune function. The average adult needs 15 micrograms (600 IU) of vitamin D a day, often attained through food.
So, should you consider getting a vitamin D test or taking a vitamin D supplement?
“Many earlier studies showed an association between an individual’s vitamin D levels and the risk of developing a variety of common disorders, which is why testing and supplementation is so popular,” explains Dr. John Brill, the vice president of population health sciences & research at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. “However, further research has not found that routine testing and supplementation improve overall health. That is why insurance will generally not cover routine tests or testing for non-specific symptoms, like fatigue.”
Certain populations are at an increased risk for vitamin deficiency and can benefit from vitamin D supplementation without the need for testing, according to the guidelines:
- Pregnant women. Supplementation can reduce your risk of preeclampsia and pre-term birth.
- People diagnosed with prediabetes. Studies show it can prevent the progression of the disease.
- People aged 75 or older. As you age, your nutrient absorption becomes impaired. Your aged skin is also less likely to absorb vitamin D from the sun.
- Children aged 18 and younger. Breastfed babies and children who are picky eaters may not get the recommended daily intake of vitamin D.
Dr. Brill says testing is recommended if you have symptoms of low calcium levels or a bone or endocrine condition.
So, unless you are in an at-risk population or are experiencing symptoms related to vitamin D deficiency, consuming more than the recommended dose of vitamin D isn’t going to benefit your health. Plus, it’s best to get nutrients naturally by eating a balanced diet.
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About the Author
health enews leader, is on the digital content team at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Illinois State University and has worked in health care public relations for six years. In her free time, she enjoys working out, finding the nearest coffee shop, exploring new places with her friends and family, and keeping up with the latest social media trends.
I have to say that this article is informative about who is at higher risk of being vitamin D deficient. However, I have worked in family practice for 20 years and I have NEVER seen a normal vitamin D level in a pt who was NOT supplementing. This is in northern Illinois, where we have a lot of cloudy/overcast days and most people are indoors MOST of the time due to weather, work and school. I am sure things are different in warmer, sunnier climates. Vitamin D3 is best when supplementing
Sara, thanks for sharing this information. It is not easy to get enough D through diet, especially someone like me who doesn’t eat dairy. When lab results showed I was D deficient, my doctor at Nesset put me on a prescription for some time. Since then I have been upping my supplementation (also calcium) and am at normal levels. You are spot on with those of us who live in northern, overcast climates and are indoors most of the time.