Vitamin D is essential for the body to maintain calcium levels and to help with bone growth and bone remodeling. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, bone and overall health can suffer. Vitamin D comes mostly from exposure to the sun and is also found in many vitamin supplements. The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine has determined the Adequate Intake, or AI, levels for vitamin D for healthy individuals. Calculating your ideal vitamin D dose is simple because vitamin D dosing is based only on age.
Step 1
The recommended daily dose of vitamin D for all infants and children, including adolescents, is 10 mcg. This is the equivalent of 400 International Units, or 400 IU daily.
Step 2
The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D for all individuals 18 to 50 years old is 5 mcg. This is the equivalent of 200 IU daily.
Step 3
The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D for all individuals ages 51 to 70 years old is 10 mcg. This is the equivalent of 400 IU daily.
Step 4
The recommended daily dose of vitamin D for all individuals older than 70 years old is 15 mcg. This is the equivalent of 600 IU daily.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are being treated with vitamin D for special conditions such as osteoporosis, hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism or rickets, you will likely require a different dose of vitamin D, tailored to your particular condition. In these cases, always consult your doctor.
- Never exceed the upper limit for vitamin D, which is 50 mcg, or 2,000 IU, as toxicities can occur. For children younger than 1 year old, the upper limit is 25 mcg, or 1,000 IU per day. Consult your doctor before starting a regimen of vitamin D.
Member Comments