One of the more common questions I am asked is, “should I supplement with vitamin D?”

While it’s a simple question the answer is anything but simple.  Before adding a vitamin D supplement to your daily routine I would highly recommend getting a vitamin D test done so you know where your levels are at.  This will help determine how much vitamin D you should be taking each day.  The vitamin D test I offer clients is an at home, finger prick blood test.  The cost of the test is only $75.

Vitamin D is important for many things, including but not limited to:

  • Immune system function
  • Blood pressure regulation (blood pressure will go up over the winter months because we are getting less vitamin D from the sun)
  • Cancer prevention
  • Cholesterol management
  • Calcium absorption and therefore improved bone health
  • Energy levels
  • Hormone balance

I recommend a few different vitamin D supplements.  It’s important to note that vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin so it’s important to take a vitamin D supplement with healthy fats, such as olive or avocado oil.  Below is a list of my recommended vitamin D supplements.

D Complex from Food Research:

Cataplex D from Standard Process:

Bio-DK Mulsion from Biotics Research:

I take about 10,000IU per day over the darker days of winter and early spring.  For children I recommend anywhere between 1,000IU and 3,000IU per day.

Vitamin D is one of the most cost effective supplements you can take.  I recommend taking it over the winter and then getting out in the sun as much as possible without burning when the warmer days return.