Published on September 26, 2019
As we saw in earlier posts of this series, GrassrootsHealth participants reside in 55 countries worldwide and vitamin D levels vary by location. Today, we’ll look at how vitamin D supplemental intake varies by location for GrassrootsHealth participants.
Vitamin D supplemental intake by country for GrassrootsHealth Participants
Among GrassrootsHealth participants worldwide, the countries with the highest average vitamin D supplemental intake are the Netherlands (5000 IU/day; 125 mcg), Denmark (4200 IU/day; 105 mcg), and Switzerland (4000 IU/day; 100 mcg). The countries with the lowest average vitamin D supplemental intake are Singapore and Japan (both 0 IU/day; 0 mcg). The average for the United States and Canada was 3000 IU/day (75 mcg).
Vitamin D supplemental intake by state for GrassrootsHealth Participants
Among GrassrootsHealth participants in the United States, the states with the highest average vitamin D supplemental intake are Arkansas (5000 IU/day; 125 mcg) and Wyoming (4286 IU/day; 107 mcg). The states with the lowest average vitamin D supplemental intake are Mississippi (466 IU/day; 12 mcg), New Mexico (1000 IU/day; 25 mcg), and North Dakota (1839 IU/day; 46 mcg).
Based on the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which collects health information from a representative sample of individuals living in the United States, the average vitamin D supplemental intake among Americans is about 400 IU/day (10 mcg). A majority of GrassrootsHealth participants in the U.S. (77%) have vitamin D supplemental intake amounts at or above the U.S. average.
Are you getting what you need from your supplements?
Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can measure and track your level of vitamin D and other nutrients to help determine if your supplements, diet, and other sources are having the effect you would like on your resulting nutrient status. Testing levels of vitamin D and taking daily steps to keep it at a target level of 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) is important for many aspects of health. Find out your levels today! Log on to the shop (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your level can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
Click Here to Access the Shop Page
How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
