Vitamin D deficiency affects a lot of people estimated 1 billion worldwide across all age groups and ethnicities.
Vitamin D is obtained from 2 sources:
I) Natural Sunlight: ~20 minutes Sunlight = 20,000 IU Vitamin D
*Avoid sunscreen because it blocks absorption
*Apply Coconut Oil (Natural SPF 4-5) to reduce sunburn
II) Supplements
1) Over-the-counter: 800-2,000 IU DAILY Vitamin D3 (maintenance range)
2) Prescription:
A. *Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol); Green Capsule
50,000 IU Taken Once a Week
B. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol); White Capsule
50,000 IU Taken Once a Week
*Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) is prescribed to patients that have renal disease, and used short-term in adults with Vitamin D deficiency to replenish stores.
*50,000 IU is not that large as some people may think it is.
Please see below for the conversion to ease the confusion:
1 IU = 0.025 mcg Cholecalciferol or Ergocalciferol
50,000 IU = 1,250 mcg = 1.25mg Vitamin D2 or Vitamin D3
How to Take Vitamin D Supplements:
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is better absorbed when taken with meals.
Vitamin D Supplements Interact with several medications:
1) Corticosteroids
2) Orlistat (Alli)
3) Cholestyramine
4) Phenobarbital
5) Phenytoin
*If you are taking any of these medications, make sure to separate 2-3 hours
from Vitamin D Supplement.
16 Amazing Health Benefits of Vitamin D
1) Supports the Immune System
2) Anti-inflammatory
3) Improves Mood
4) Prevents Osteoporosis- Along with Calcium
*Calcium needs Vitamins D for absorption in the small intestine.
5) Improves Sleep
6) Hormone Balance
7) Prevents Heart Disease
8) Prevents Asthma Symptoms
9) Decreases Blood Pressure
10) Cancer Prevention
11) Decreases Parkinson’s Disease
12) Reduces Depression
13) Decreases Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
14) Decreases Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
15) Reduces Bacterial Vaginosis
16) Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Disclaimer:
This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Eilbra Younan, and all viewers of this content are advised to consult with their doctors regarding specific health questions, especially those taking prescriptions and/or over-the-counter(OTC) medications before starting this or any nutrition or lifestyle change. This content is for information and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal doctor. Neither Dr. Eilbra Younan and/or the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health side-effects/consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.
