During the summer months, a question I often get is whether or not to continue taking vitamin D.  For those of you not taking vitamin D, it is a good idea to have this level checked with your routine blood tests.  Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin at all.  It is a hormone produced in the skin from a reaction with ultraviolet light. In order to produce this reaction, the sun must be at at least a 90 degree angle.  Where we live in Indiana, we cannot even make vitamin D from the sun from about October to April. During the other months, the best way to make vitamin D is by being in the direct sunlight at mid-day for a little less time than it takes to burn. Darker individuals will require more time.  Because sunscreen takes a little time to absorb, I will apply it and then go right out in to the sun and get some vitamin D going as it soaks in.  Please be careful not to burn your skin for the sake of getting some vitamin D.

I like to check a baseline vitamin D with the labs for my new patients.  Depending on the time of year, I decide if and how much the person should take.  Vitamin D should be rechecked every 3 months.  Often I will recommend a much higher amount of vitamin D in the winter months and less in the summer, depending on how often the person is outside.  The conventional medical world recommends a vitamin D level above about 30-35, I like vitamin D to be 60-100.  Because it is a fat soluble vitamin, it is possible to have a toxic level, so over 100 is not recommended.  It is also advisable to take vitamin D with fattier foods for better absorption. The best food sources of vitamin D are liver, especially from cod, sardines, and herring.  Some other food sources include egg yolks and cheese.

You may be wondering why you should take vitamin D at all.  We have known for years that vitamin D helps calcium to be absorbed in our bones.  What we have learned and are continuing to study more recently is the role of vitamin D in infection fighting, breast and prostate health, and even depression.  So, ask your health care provider to check your level and make sure it is optimum.

As summer is now really here and the heat here is Indiana is high, don’t forget to drink lots of water and get out there and move and sweat.  Don’t just hide in the air conditioning as you will miss out on detoxing those winter toxins and the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D.

If you found this useful, please share with your friends.  I am happy to answer any questions and would love to hear your thoughts below.  Happy Summer!