Every day we are learning more about the benefits of adequate levels of Vitamin D, and this often raises concerns about how much
we should supplement on a daily basis, and what our goal for blood levels should be. Monitoring of Vitamin D blood levels is
important when supplementing to support a metabolic process or disorder, and should not be done without the care of a trained
practitioner.
Vitamin D also behaves more like a hormone than a vitamin, and is often called a pro- or pre-hormone. Research confirms that
Vitmain D functions as a unique hormone that can modulate pain and inflammation, support blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular
health, immune system function, as well as mood modulation. While low to moderate levels of Vitamin D in the blood can help to
prevent the severe skeletal disorder Rickets, higher concentrations of this fat soluble molecule have been shown to be effective /
preventative for several types of cancers. Serious disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Autism, and Diabetes have also been associated
with Vitamin D deficiency.
The attached graph has a very useful, simple outline of blood levels that have been associated with preventative and therapeutic
outcomes from Vitamin D supplementation.
Since Vitamin D is one of the “fat soluble vitamins” (- remember that from biology class) – it can be important to take it along with the other fat soluble vitamins – A, E and K.
Specifically, Vitamin K2 has been shown to be necessary for maintaining calcium deposits in the tissues at a normal level. Vitamin K is also known for it’s ability to improve
the utilization of Vitamin D.
(If you are on any blood thinning medications or agents; or if you have parathyroid disorder or elevated calcium levels in your blood– it is critical that you talk with your
doctor before adding any supplements or medications to your regimen – especially Vitamin D and Vitamin K.)