Safety of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 has become a popular supplement, especially during flu season. Many other vitamins, including vitamin C, are known to boost the immune system. However, vitamin D3 is also a potent immune-boosting vitamin because it protects the lining of the lungs and boosts white blood cell formation. White blood cells are fighter cells that devour bacteria and viruses. Dr. John Cannell, MD and head of the Vitamin D Council, recommends taking vitamin D supplements daily in addition to getting sun exposure.

Dosage

• Our skin makes about 10,000 to 25,000 international units (IU) of all forms of vitamin D from 30 minutes of sun exposure per day. There are three known forms of vitamin D--D1, D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is made in the skin shortly after being exposed to the sun. However, some people are not able to get sunshine each day. Vitamin D is also necessary for calcium absorption, making it even more important. People who are vitamin D deficient can develop rickets. It is safe to take up to 40,000 IU of vitamin D daily. However, most healthy people with no medical conditions only need about 10,000 IU per day to prevent getting sick.

Hypersensitivity

• According to the Vitamin D Council, many physicians mistake vitamin D toxicity with vitamin D hypersensitivity. A person would need to take extremely high doses of vitamin D per day in order to develop toxic levels in their blood. High doses of vitamin D are doses that are over 50,000 IU daily.

  The body actually puts vitamin D to good use. People who have hyperparathyroidism may be sensitive to vitamin D in any dosage, so they actually have a hypersensitivity to vitamin D rather than toxicity. Hyperparathyroidism is a disease caused by a dysfunctional thyroid. These people do need vitamin D, but they should only take it under the supervision of an endocrinologist.

Foods Rich in Vitamin D3

• Many foods are rich in vitamin D3. Raw cow's milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D. When milk is pasteurized, it is heated up and very small amounts of vitamin D are added back in. However, if you drink raw cow's milk, you will get a very high dose of vitamin D. Be sure to only buy raw milk from a clean, organic dairy. Buy locally so you can see the condition of the dairy and guarantee freshness.

Bone Health

• Vitamin D is safe and beneficial for bone health when taken in doses of 25,000 IU or less. Vitamin D3 improves overall bone strength and health. Vitamin D3 works with other vitamins and minerals such as calcium to grow new bone. When vitamin D3 is taken with calcium supplements, the effectiveness of calcium is greatly increased. Calcium cannot do the job it's meant to do without the combination of key minerals such as magnesium and other vitamins such as vitamin D3.

Depression

• Vitamin D3 is perfectly safe for consumption from food and it is also safe when taken in supplement form. Elderly people tend to have vitamin D deficiencies due to a lack of sunshine from spending too much time indoors. A vitamin D deficiency has also been seen to cause depression. This is why we feel good when we get some sunshine. The sun boosts our vitamin D levels, elevating our mood.