Ask An Endo: What’s Up with Vitamin D?

By Dr. Richard Jackson, MD

Vitamin D is everywhere these days, and in more ways than one. It is literally all around us, as our main source of vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun. We also get some vitamin D from the supplementation of milk and some cereals. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health in children and adults, and treating low levels of vitamin D with oral vitamin D supplements can prevent bone diseases such as rickets and osteoporosis in susceptible individuals. Vitamin D also has other important roles in the body, including regulating cell growth, immune function, and glucose metabolism. A vitamin D level below 20 ng/mL is considered to be low.

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 600 IU per day for adults. The Endocrine Society recommends extra vitamin D for certain groups, including children, adults over the age of 75, pregnant women, and people with prediabetes. Studies have shown that if you have prediabetes, taking vitamin D can actually reduce your risk of developing diabetes in the future!

It’s important to note that too much vitamin D can be harmful, so talk to your doctor about what the optimal level is for you.

Dr. Richard Jackson is an Endocrinologist who worked for more than 30 years with the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, MA.

The medical information on Diabetes – What To Know’s website is provided as an information resource only. The content is not in any way intended to be nor should you rely on it as a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, advice and treatment.

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