
Cracking the Vitamin D Dosage Code
When it comes vitamin D, I might be accused of sounding like a broken record. (Well, by those old enough to understand the reference, anyway.)
But I’ll risk that reputation, because it really IS a vital vitamin.
After all, vitamin D is essential for MANY health-related functions, including…
- Maintaining strong bones by promoting calcium absorption
- Supporting immune function and reducing inflammation
- Regulating cell growth and differentiation
- Modulating neuromuscular function and reducing the risk of falls
- Potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disorders
And that’s just to start.
But how much should you take? That’s a great question, and the answer might surprise you…
A recent study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition shed light on how difficult it is to properly top up a wide range of people’s vitamin D levels.
The study found that one size DOES NOT fit all when it comes to vitamin D.
The study uncovered some interesting findings.
First, the amount of UVB light from the sun plays a crucial role in determining vitamin D status, even in countries like the UK that don’t much sunshine.
Second, factors like age, sex, weight (BMI), cholesterol level, and whether you take D supplements dramatically influence how much vitamin D your body produces when exposed to UVB light.
For instance, as you get older or if you have a higher BMI, your body’s ability to make vitamin D from UVB light plummets. This means that two people with different ages and body types, living in the same area and getting the same amount of sun exposure, might have very different vitamin D levels.
So, what does that mean for you?
Well, many things can change how much vitamin D you need, including your weight, age, skin color, how much time you spend outdoors, how much you cover up or use sunscreen outside, where you live, and a soup of other factors…
The BEST way to determine how much vitamin D you need is to visit your doctor’s office and request a blood test. Then, start supplementing and check your levels again.
If you really want to nail down how much you need, you should check your blood levels in winter and summer.
Don’t just guess how much vitamin D you need based on some generic one-size-fits-all recommendation. Instead, get your levels checked and take control of your health.
P.S. Weird vitamin D thief REVEALED!
Source:
Margaret M. Brennan, Jos van Geffen, Michiel van Weele, Lina Zgaga, Rasha Shraim. Ambient ultraviolet-B radiation, supplements and other factors interact to impact vitamin D status differently depending on ethnicity: A cross-sectional study. Clinical Nutrition, 2024; 43 (6): 1308

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....