Supplementing with Flu-Fighting Vitamin D

Filed Under FEATURED

http://blog.drdavidwilliams.com/blog/digestive-health-guidance/supplementing-with-flu-fighting-vitamin-d

courtesy of David Williams Blog

Published 01/07/11

Because it can be difficult to rely on sun exposure and diet to get sufficient vitamin D, I strongly recommend you supplement with this nutrient.

Be aware, however, that the current recommended daily allowance or RDA of 200–600 IU (depending on age) is simply not enough. Researchers tested vitamin D levels in 290 random patients in the Boston area and found deficiencies in more than half—including 43 percent of those who reported taking the RDA of vitamin D!

Make sure your multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is giving you at least 800 IU of vitamin D per day, as D3 (cholecalciferol). I consider this the bare minimum for a supplement, and even then you’ll still need to consume fish regularly and get adequate sunlight to obtain the amount of vitamin D you need.

If you’re getting your total vitamin D dose from a stand-alone supplement, the following are recommended daily maintenance levels:

1,000 IU for children under 2 years old,
2,000 IU for children over 2 years old,
3,000 IU for individuals weighing 80–130 lbs,
4,000 IU for individuals weighing 131–170 lbs, and
5,000 IU for individuals weighing over 170 lbs.

And if you feel like you’re coming down with flu-like symptoms, you can take doses of 50,000 IU per day for three days to treat the acute infection.

Vitamin D is readily available in single does of 5,000 IU. It’s also available in liquid formulation.

For more information on nutrients that support your immune system, visit www.drdavidwilliams.com.

0 Comments | View all comments on Supplementing with Flu-Fighting Vitamin D

Add your comment

Search Body Detox

Filed Under FEATURED