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Expert recommends individuals pay attention to vitamin D levels

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Given the high number of scientific investigations that have come out in recent years highlighting the health benefits of vitamin D, medical experts are increasingly urging their patients to receive blood testing to find out if they are deficient.

Kevin House, a pharmacist in North Dakota, told the Bismarck Tribune that he now recommends that people be more conscious about the amount of vitamin D they get in their diet. If it is not enough, he recommends finding other ways to get the vitamin D they need. Other sources include nutritional supplements and sun exposure.

"Where we're at right now is asking people to really take a look at [their] dietary intake," he told the news source.

While the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 600 international units for most people, House that very few people are able to get this much through their diet.

As a result, much of the population has insufficient vitamin D levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that up to one-third of adults are deficient. Many more may have suboptimal levels.