More reasons for more vitamin D?

We’ve written extensively about the need to include enough vitamin D in our diets, particularly for individuals who are suffering with inflammatory-based conditions. And getting our D almost always requires taking a high quality supplement since it’s virtually impossible to obtain what we really need from food sources alone.

Now, there’s even more news about the additional benefits of vitamin D as shown in a recent study that concluded “therapeutic improvement in vitamin D to 80–100 ng/ml has significantly reduced the inflammatory markers associated with COVID-19 without any side effects. Hence, adjunctive Pulse D therapy can be added safely to the existing treatment protocols of COVID-19 for improved outcomes.”1 Pulse D therapy is a targeted approach to increase the serum vitamin D level by using high dose daily supplementation for a specific time period. 
 
Note that the normal range of vitamin D is measured as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). While some clinicians recommend that patients have a level between 20 and 40 ng/mL, in our neurology practice we like to see this figure closer to 60 ng/mL. 
 
And in certain individuals, such as those patients who are experiencing a multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse, we need to consider that their immune-related problems may imply the need for a higher dosage in the short term. It’s possible that even 50,000 IU in relapse situations may not be as well absorbed. So, as appropriate to each case, 60,000 IU (international units) a day for five days may be advisable while continuing a minimum of 10,000 IU on a daily basis. 
 
One of the simplest things all of us should be doing for our health is taking enough vitamin D daily, typically 5000 IU, but in many people even without an autoimmune disease it’s reasonable to consider 20,000 IU per day. Much has been researched about the value of vitamin D supplementation and its positive effects on our overall wellness, particularly since this nutrient is not only difficult to obtain from food, but absorption is also hampered by indoor lifestyles, use of sunscreen, and other factors. Dr. Steven Gundry, author and former cardiac surgeon, has extensively studied the impact of diet on health and aging. Having “never seen toxicity from vitamin D in over 30 years of practice” he takes 150,000 IU/day for several days at the first sign of the flu or a cold. Of course, you should always consult your physician as to what’s most appropriate to your individual health needs.
 
So which form of vitamin D is best for your needs? Typically, the D3 form is better absorbed and recommended for most people unless you have a very specific disorder (e.g. rickets, hypothyroidism) for which D2 may be indicated. We advise taking a vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 combination supplement, since both nutrients act in synergy within the body – and ideally, take your supplement with a meal containing some fat to increase its absorption. 
 
The wellbeing of our immune system, and our brain health, depend on many things - so remember that no single supplement can make up for the effects of an unhealthy diet or negative lifestyle habits. For additional information, we invite you to stop by our blog library and review these selections: 
 
MS and vitamin D:
https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog---ms-in-the-news/more-findings-support-the-relationship-between-ms-and-vitamin-d
 
Vitamin D and immune health: 
https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog/more-studies-point-to-critical-importance-of-vitamin-d-in-immune-health
 
Vitamin D and the indoor generation:
https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog/the-indoor-generation-is-missing-out-on-vitamin-d
 
Vitamin D deficiency – another health crisis:
https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog/vitamin-d-deficiency-is-it-another-health-crisis-in-the-making
 
And please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices if we can answer any other questions or schedule a visit. We are here to help!
 
In hope and healing,
Dr. Suzanne Gazda
 
References:
 
1 Lakkireddy, M., Gadiga, S.G., Malathi, R.D. et al. Impact of daily high dose oral vitamin D therapy on the inflammatory markers in patients with COVID 19 disease. Sci Rep 11, 10641 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90189-4
 
Dr. Steven Gundry
https://gundrymd.com/