Published on October 9, 2019
When it comes to how vitamin D supplementation affects vitamin D serum levels, it is important to recognize the wide range of serum level responses that can be produced at any specific supplementation amount. It is because of this wide range in response that testing vitamin D levels is essential, versus blind supplementation.
In an analysis of vitamin D serum levels and daily supplemental vitamin D intake amounts for 7,324 D*action participants, we found that while average serum level rises with increased intake, there is a wide range of individual serum levels at any given intake amount, as illustrated in the chart below.
For example, with a supplemental intake of 4000 IU/day, serum levels were observed from 10 ng/ml (25 nmol/L) to 150 ng/ml (300 nmol/L), thus the importance of measuring your vitamin D level twice a year.
The GrassrootsHealth Scientists Panel of 48 expert vitamin D researchers have agreed that the serum level should be between 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) for general good health.
A very big thank you to all D*action participants who have contributed to this research.
Are you blindly supplementing with vitamin D?
Testing your vitamin D level regularly and taking steps to keep it at a target level of 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) is important for all stages of health. Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can also test your omega-3 status, inflammation levels, and levels of essential nutrients and toxins. 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)
