What Do You Lack? Probably Vitamin D

[Brownian Motion]

By JANE E. BRODY

Published: July 26, 2010

Vitamin D promises to be the most talked-about and written-about supplement of the decade. While studies continue to refine optimal blood levels and recommended dietary amounts, the fact remains that a huge part of the population — from robust newborns to the frail elderly, and many others in between — are deficient in this essential nutrient.

More

[Jazzmoose]

Yes, we need a supplement for this, because it would be too damned inconvenient to turn off the computer and TV and go outside to get it for free...

[Tom 1960]

When I had my annual physical last year, my doctor really pushed for me to increase my vitamin d levels. I think I remember him telling me to take a suppliment with 5000 units? I'm presently taking a suppliment with just 1250 units. So much for listening to my doctor.

[Quincy]

Yes, we need a supplement for this, because it would be too damned inconvenient to turn off the computer and TV and go outside to get it for free...

It's something they look for here in Oregon. At the moment I'm very tan, even on my feet from living in sandals this summer. But I'm also taking a once a week mega-dose of D as a few weeks ago I came up deficient. Get retested in another 5 weeks or so after I finish off the bottle. So it is possible to be both deficient in Vit D while being reckless w/ respect to getting too much sun w/ too little sunscreen protection.

[Jazzmoose]

Great. I can't win!

[Jim Alfredson]

Interesting article. Thank you.

[JSngry]

[BruceH]

Going outside here is often not going to get you much sun (which may be a good thing for me, as I have the skin of an Irishman crossed with a Norwegian.) I started taking a Vitamin D supplement once a day, not because my doctor said to, just for the hell of it.

[Dave James]

Is there a U.S. equivalent of an international unit? If so, what would 1,000 I.U.'s translate to here?

[Jazzmoose]

I started taking a Vitamin D supplement once a day, not because my doctor said to, just for the hell of it.

Yeah, that was my approach to acid at one time...

[7/4]

I have a problem with Vitamin D, they did a blood test a 3 years ago and found it. Almost a year ago I had a spill and broke both(!) elbows...we then found I also have a bone density problem so I'm taking calcium too.

Nothin' but fun, I tell ya.