Vitamin D is essential in cold and flu prevention!!! Most Americans are very deficient in their Vitamin D levels. The current recommendations are that your level should be between 50-65. It is easy to find out your level, call your physician and request a 25-OH (hydroxy) Vitamin D blood test. The Hydroxy test is a truer representation of your overall level. If you level is low it is imperative that you begin supplementation. The current recommendations for maintenance levels is 35IU's per pound of body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds you would need 5250 IU's per day just to replace what your body is not making in the winter. Short daylight hours and cold weather keep us indoors all winter, meaning that our body cannot manufacturer the Vitamin D it needs. Adequate Vitamin D levels also help to boost your mood all winter, this is especially helpful for those who suffer from SAD (seasonal depression). Remember, if you are concerned about toxicity, get a blood test first, then begin supplementation.
In Good Health,
Dr. Emily