Vitamin D

The Institute of Medicine released new Vitamin D guidelines yesterday.  I am in agreement with most of the major Vitamin D researchers that these new guidelines are too conservative and if followed directly will under-replace patients and  forgo potential health benefits.  I feel the data clearly supports an upper daily intake level of 10,000 units daily.  In reality, however, most patients only need between 2-5000 units of Vitamin D3 to achieve optimum levels.  I generally shoot for levels to be at 50 and above, though am quite comfortable with levels in the 80+ range.  Without any prior testing, I think it's reasonable for an average person to take approximately 2000 units daily.  By monitoring levels we can fine tune that dose to achieve most optimal blood levels.