This article was adapted from Dr. Gaby’s textbook, Nutritional Medicine (www.doctorgaby.com).
During the past decade it has become clear that vitamin D deficiency is relatively common among the general population. Potential consequences of low vitamin D status include accelerated bone loss, an increased risk of falls among the elderly, decreased resistance against influenza and other types of infection, an possibly an increased risk of developing cancer and certain autoimmune diseases. In addition, evidence has accumulated that the amount of vitamin D needed to prevent a deficiency is higher than previously believed. Whereas 400 IU/day had long been thought to be sufficient for most people, it is now known that 800 IU/day is needed to slow the progression of osteoporosis and to prevent falls.
In recent years, a number of researchers have recommended a redefinition of vitamin D deficiency, and many laboratories have changed their reference range for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) to comply with that recommendation. Historically, the lower limit of normal for 25(OH)D has been 10-15 ng/ml (25-37.5 nmol/L), depending on the laboratory. Many laboratories are now defining vitamin D deficiency as a serum 25(OH)D level < 20 ng/ml (< 50 nmol/L), and vitamin D insufficiency (mild vitamin D deficiency) as a level < 30 ng/ml (< 75 nmol/L). It has also been suggested that increasing serum 25(OH)D to an “optimal” level could improve a wide range of health outcomes, including better bone and dental health, fewer falls and fractures, and possible protection against cancer and autoimmune disease. A review article concluded that a protective effect began at a 25(OH)D concentration of 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L), and that the best outcomes were seen in people with levels of 36-40 ng/ml (90-100 nmol/L).
If one accepts these new laboratory criteria, then inadequate vitamin D status emerges as a major epidemic, being present in 40-50% of participants in many studies. Moreover, the amount of supplemental vitamin D needed to achieve “adequate” or “optimal” vitamin D status is well above 800 IU/day in many cases. For example, it has been estimated that only 50% of people who take 1,000 IU/day of vitamin D will attain a serum 25(OH)D level of 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L). The estimated dosage needed to achieve a level of 30-32 ng/ml (75-80 nmol/L) in nearly all healthy adults has ranged from 1,644 IU/day to more than 3,440 IU/day in different studies. Even larger doses would be needed to achieve an “optimal” level of 36-40 ng/ml (90-100 nmol/L). Based on these findings, some practitioners are recommending long-term supplementation with 2,000, 5,000, or even 10,000 IU/day of vitamin D for many of their patients.
via Vitamin D: Irrational Exuberance? – Supplementation, Wellness – Integrative Practitioner.
