Vitamin D3 – the Potential Benefits and Safe Dosage.

The significance of vitamin D3 in maintaining optimal health has garnered attention in recent years. While sunlight exposure allows our skin to produce up to 25,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day, deficiencies are prevalent due to modern lifestyles and limited dietary sources. The current recommended daily intake, set by government guidelines, stands at a mere 400 IUs. However, emerging evidence suggests that this dosage may be far below what individuals truly need. This reimagining is supported by a compelling study published in the renowned PubMed database. The study explores the effects of daily oral supplementation of vitamin D3, ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs, in a long-term hospital setting.

Daily oral dosing of vitamin D3 using 5000 TO 50,000 international units a day in long-term hospitalized patients: Insights from a seven-year experience. By Patrick J McCullough, Douglas S Lehrer, Jeffrey Amend.

The patients selected for this study were primarily admitted to psychiatric facilities, often seeking treatment for mental illnesses. Conducted in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, the research aimed to shed light on the potential benefits and safety of vitamin D3 supplementation.

Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB radiation. Our bodies would naturally produce significant amounts of vitamin D if we spent most of our day outdoors. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle, especially in northern regions, leads to a widespread deficiency due to limited sun exposure and insufficient dietary sources.

Vitamin D deficiency has been closely linked to an increased risk of numerous diseases, including depression, compromised immunity, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Historically, diseases such as asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, and tuberculosis have shown substantial improvement with adequate UVB exposure or oral vitamin D supplementation.

To address the prevalent deficiency, patients admitted to the Dayton and Cincinnati hospitals were regularly screened for vitamin D deficiency starting in July 2011 until 2018. Subsequently, these patients were offered vitamin D supplementation to correct or prevent deficiency. Of the 4,700 admissions, the majority agreed to daily supplementation ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 IUs (equivalent to 120 to 250 micrograms).

In specific cases, where patients had conditions like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, higher dosages of 20,000 to 50,000 IUs (equivalent to 500 to 1,250 micrograms) were administered. Remarkably, no complications related to vitamin D3 were reported among these patients, with no cases of induced hypercalcemia or adverse events observed. The average serum calcium level within the group of 418 patients remained within the normal range at 9.6 mg/dl (normal range: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dl).

For individuals concerned about the risk of hypercalcemia, it is advisable to take vitamin D3 alongside vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 aids in the removal of calcium from arteries, promoting its storage in bones, thus minimizing potential complications.

Notably, three patients with psoriasis who received higher doses of vitamin D (20,000 to 50,000 IUs per day) experienced significant clinical improvements in their condition.

Comparing the supplemented patients to a group of 777 individuals who did not take vitamin D, the former achieved an average 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) blood level of 118.9 ng/ml, while the latter averaged 27.1 ng/ml. The normal range for 25OHD3 in a healthy individual typically falls between 74.4 and 384.8 ng/ml.

By re-evaluating the dosage of vitamin D3 and exploring its potential benefits, this study

contributes valuable insights into the realm of vitamin D supplementation. The results highlight the safety of long-term vitamin D3 supplementation in doses ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 IUs per day, dispelling concerns about adverse effects.

The study underscores the importance of addressing vitamin D deficiency, given its association with various diseases and compromised health outcomes. The findings suggest that the recommended daily dosage of 400 IUs may fall significantly short of what individuals truly need to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.

Moreover, the study’s outcomes support the notion that vitamin D supplementation can yield significant improvements in certain conditions, such as psoriasis. Patients with higher doses of vitamin D3 reported marked clinical improvements, offering hope for individuals grappling with such health challenges.

The study’s findings reinforce the notion that routine screening for vitamin D deficiency and subsequent supplementation can be beneficial in preventing and correcting deficiencies. By offering doses ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 IUs per day, healthcare providers can help individuals bridge the gap and achieve optimal vitamin D levels.

It is important to note that the study’s results indicate the safety of vitamin D3 supplementation when administered under medical supervision. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate dosage and duration based on individual needs and health conditions.

In conclusion, this study highlights the potential benefits and safe dosage of vitamin D3 supplementation. With the increasing recognition of vitamin D’s crucial role in overall health and disease prevention, revisiting current recommendations and exploring higher doses may prove instrumental in optimizing health outcomes for individuals across various populations.

There is much more medical research showing the benefits of taking Vit.D

1. Vitamin D and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in People With Prediabetes. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data From 3 Randomized Clinical Trials
2. Vitamin D supplementation and incident dementia: Effects of sex, APOE, and baseline cognitive status.
3. The association between vitamin D serum levels, supplementation, suicide attempts, and intentional self-harm.
4. Dr. John Campbell’s youtube video.