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 35
IU'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