Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is important for bone and muscle health. Deficiencies can occur when a person does not get adequate exposure to sunlight, which stimulates vitamin D production in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B, or UVB, rays. Eating foods fortified with vitamin D or are naturally high in the vitamin may help prevent a deficiency, but they are generally insufficient to treat an already existing deficiency. Blood levels of vitamin D should remain over 15 ng/ mL to ensure optimal health.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can be used to treat a mild deficiency. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, UVB rays from sunlight with a wavelength of 290 to 315 nanometers can stimulate the skin to produce pre-vitamin D3. Glass filters UVB rays, so sunlight through a window is insufficient to stimulate production of vitamin D. Sunscreen, cloud cover and smog also limit UVB rays and inhibit vitamin D production.
Unfortunately, those living above 42 degrees north latitude cannot get sufficient sun exposure between the months of November through February to produce the necessary amounts of vitamin D. The necessary sun exposure to ensure vitamin D production is 5 to 30 minutes of sunlight between 10 AM and 3 PM two or more times a week. The skin of the face, arms, back or legs should be exposed to the UVB rays.
Vitamin Supplementation
Individuals who have vitamin D levels between 10 to 15 ng/ mL may be able to reverse this slight deficiency with daily supplementation of vitamin D in doses of 400 to 1000 IU. Vitamin D3 is absorbed more effectively than vitamin D2 by the body, so this form is better for supplementation. Vitamin D supplementation along with sun exposure may be more effective than supplementation alone.
Megadoses of Vitamin D2
Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, is a form of vitamin D synthesized by plants and yeast. It can be used to treat severe vitamin D deficiency, including rickets and osteomalacia. These conditions occur when the blood levels of vitamin D fall below 10 ng/ mL for a sustained period of time. Ergocalciferol can be given in a single dose of 600,000 IU either orally or through an injection into muscle tissue. Oral vitamin D3 may also be administered at this dosage.
Another option is the administration of vitamin D2 or D3 at doses of 5000 to 10,000 IU each day for two to three months. If the blood levels of vitamin D do not rise sufficiently with this treatment, higher doses of 12,000 to 500,000 IU per day may be recommended. Blood vitamin D levels should be monitored on a regular basis by a doctor to determine whether the treatment dosages need to be adjusted.
Member Comments