Vitamin D has long provided significant support for healthy bone density. However, scientists have also validated the critical role that vitamin D plays in regulating healthy cell division and differentiation, and its profound effects on human immunity. These findings link a deficiency of vitamin D to a host of common age-related problems.

Vitamin D3 can be synthesized by humans in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. But, due to the winter season, weather conditions, skin tone and sun block, the body’s ability to produce optimal vitamin D levels may be inhibited. These factors point to the value of taking a daily vitamin D supplement.

The current RDA is only 600 IU. As a result of startling evidence of a widespread vitamin D deficiency, prominent nutritional scientists are calling on Americans to increase their vitamin D intake to 1,000 IU per day and higher. Currently, most experts in the field believe that intakes of between 1,000 and 10,000 IU for adults will lead to serum 25(OH)D levels above those indicative of vitamin D deficient levels, at approximately 80 nmol/L or 32 ng/mL.

Life Extension recommends that healthy adults supplement each day with at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D. Elderly adults may benefit from higher doses such as 5,000 IU daily up to 10,000 IU daily. The objective of taking a vitamin D supplement is to achieve an optimal 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood level of between 50-80 ng/mL.

Vitamin D in the amount of 2,000 IU is contained in the multi-nutrient Life Extension Mix™ and the multivitamin Two-Per-Day Tablets. A vitamin D blood test can help you determine the additional amount of vitamin D you may need to supplement to achieve an optimal level.

For most people, this 1,000 IU potency is insufficient to attain optimal vitamin D blood levels. For smaller individuals who obtain 2,000-3,000 IU in their multi-nutrient formulas (and children), this potency of vitamin D may be suitable.