If you’ve ever been confused about vitamin D levels, you’re not alone. While it’s essential for bone health and immune function, knowing how much to take can be tricky. In this post, I’ll explain the difference between mainstream and functional medicine health guidelines for vitamin D and share how I made my decision for optimal health.
Mainstream Medical vs. Functional Vitamin D Levels
Most mainstream American doctors follow the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines, which suggest that 600-800 IU of vitamin D per day is adequate for most people. Functional medical providers work from different medical models and have different guidelines. However, functional health practitioners—such as some nutritionists—often recommend higher levels for better overall wellness, including stronger immune function and improved energy. This doesn’t mean medical guidelines are wrong, but they might not always be the best for everyone. Here’s why…
The NIH guidelines for vitamin D are designed to maintain bone health and calcium metabolism, especially in people with little sun exposure. For example, adults under 70 need at least 600 IU per day, but this doesn’t take into account factors like immune system health or chronic conditions that might require higher doses.
Functional health practitioners typically recommend aiming for higher vitamin D levels in the blood to help support immune function, mood, and energy levels. Some even suggest higher levels, especially for those with autoimmune conditions or digestive issues.
Finding My Comfort Zone with Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D is essential, but too much can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and kidney issues.
After reviewing my diet and supplement intake, I added a 1,000 IU to my daily routine. This brings my total intake from food and supplements up to 1,600 IU daily, comfortably within the mainstream medical and functional health ranges. It was at the top range of what my mainstream doctor thought would be appropriate for me given my age, health, and personal factors and at the bottom range of what my nutritionist wanted. I plan to recheck my vitamin D levels at my next checkup to make sure I’m on track and don’t have too much or too little.
Have You Considered Your Vitamin D Levels?
Have you recently checked your vitamin D levels? How do you balance mainstream medical and functional health guidelines in your own wellness routine? Let’s share experiences in the comments!
Key Takeaways
- Mainstream and functional medical health guidelines for vitamin D can vary. Consider both to find the best balance for your health.
- Supplementation can improve wellness, but knowing the risks and choosing a safe dosage is essential.
- Regular blood tests and checkups are key to tracking your progress and making informed decisions.
Join the Discussion!
What did you think about this discussion? Whether you’ve navigated similar decisions or are just starting to explore supplementation, your insights are valuable. Share your thoughts in the comments, keeping our community’s code of conduct in mind.
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Additional Information
Disclaimer
This post is not intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your supplementation routine.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 21). Vitamin D Toxicity: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24750-vitamin-d-toxicity-hypervitaminosis-d
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. (2022, August 12). Vitamin D: Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2023, December 18). Functional Medicine Doctors: Identifying the Root Cause of Disease. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-functional-medicine-doctor
Williams, S. E. (2022, March). Vitamin D supplementation: Pearls for practicing clinicians. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 89(3), 154. https://www.ccjm.org/content/89/3/154#T1
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Updates: None.
