Optimal levels: Studies have shown that health benefits continue to be seen by supplementation up to 80nmol/L. In the UK, the standard laboratory will call a level above 50 normal: this is misleading and is some way below optimal health. This means you won’t show signs of deficiency, like rickets, but you also won't feel a range of health benefits seen at higher levels.
DNA vitamin D levels: At Humanpeople we test two important vitamin D related genes. If you have variations in two associated vitamin D genes called “
GC” and “VDR” then your vitamin D levels need to be even higher to get the full range of health benefits.
Get tested: We don’t like to guess or give supplements that you don’t need. That is why we base our approach on tests. Most GPs will agree to do a blood test for free on the NHS and will give advice on supplementation. If your vitamin D levels are below 50nmol/L then get advice from your GP because you will need more than a normal over the counter dose.
But how much? Most people will benefit from a dose of 2000-5000iu. BUT, as we always say: "it is better to test first". When using higher doses it is best to be tested before starting supplementation. Then at 12 weeks another test is taken to to make sure levels are optimised.
Is vitamin D actually a vitamin? Historically it was called a vitamin, but really it has more in common with a hormone. This is because it is manufactured in the body and fluctuates with the daylight hours / UV exposure. A vitamin is something that cannot be manufactured by the body and has to be ingested. Vitamin D is very similar in structure to some of the sex hormones. It peaks in sunny times probably because thousands of years ago this was the time when food was more abundant and so it stimulated growth of bone and tissue.