My Vitamin D is low? What Does That Mean?
Vitamin D deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in children and adults worldwide.
Most people are unaware they have low levels, with normal levels between 30 and 100.
Your health care provider may order a blood test called 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D during your annual exam.
I am never surprised by most patients with vitamin D levels well below normal. I have seen levels as low as 4. The biggest comment is, “I had no idea my levels were so low; I feel fine!”
So why are the numbers low for so many of us?
For some, the answer is easy and is due to one or more of the following reasons:
Lack of vitamin D in the diet- few foods have vitamin D.
Lack of direct sun exposure -either by limiting time in the sun or by use of SPF skin block eight and higher.
Skin type- darker-skinned individuals do not absorb the ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Older adults - the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases as we age.
Obesity - higher body fat levels can limit the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the skin.
Reduced absorption from the intestines -due to certain illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, or Celiac Disease.
Inability to process vitamin D- due to kidney or liver disease.
So, what does it mean when your levels are low?
Low vitamin D levels impact calcium and phosphorus absorption and may increase the risk for skeletal effects such as osteopenia and osteoporosis and diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and depression.
Patients want to know, “What is the correct dosage, and what supplement should I choose?”
The amount of vitamin D supplement you need will depend on your age and measured lab levels.
There are two dietary supplements- vitamins D2 and D3. Both will raise serum 25 (OH)D levels; however, current literature recommends vitamin D3, which is found to increase levels more effectively and maintain elevated levels for longer.
Mywellnessvitals practice pearls:
Get your levels checked at your next annual exam.
Do not take vitamin D supplements without checking with your healthcare provider. I have seen levels >100 when patients choose to supplement at a dose higher than recommended.
If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your healthcare provider before taking any additional supplements,
If you have had a recent bone scan and have osteopenia or osteoporosis, be sure to ask what your vitamin D level is and take the correct supplement prescribed for you.
I encourage you to follow the American Heart Association Essential 8 guidelines. Please refer to my website for resources that help you maintain your health and wellness.