Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Along with calcium, it is vital for strong, healthy bones. We normally get vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, which triggers the skin to make this vitamin. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Milk and a few other beverages and foods are “fortified” with added vitamin D in some countries, such as the United States and Canada. You can also get vitamin D in supplements.

However, many people still do not get enough of this important vitamin. For instance, the skin makes less vitamin D as we age. Use of sunscreen or sun avoidance also lowers the skin's production of vitamin D.

There has been much confusion about how much vitamin D we should get and what defines a deficiency, or lack, of this vitamin. This guide is based on The Endocrine Society's practice guidelines for physicians about testing for, treating, and preventing vitamin D deficiency.

These guidelines do not apply to people who want to take vitamin D for reasons other than bone health. The guidelines do not recommend a high dose of vitamin D to try to prevent disease, improve quality of life, or extend life.


PMID: 21733998

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