Vitamin D3 can be synthesized by humans in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. But, due to the winter season, weather conditions, and sun block, the body’s ability to produce optimal vitamin D levels may be inhibited.87 These factors point to the value of taking a daily vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D has long provided significant support for healthy bone density.88-94 However, scientists have also validated the critical role that vitamin D plays in regulating healthy cell division and differentiation, and its profound effects on human immunity.95-101 These findings link a deficiency of vitamin D to a host of common age-related problems.
The current RDA is only 600 IU. As a result of startling evidence of a widespread vitamin D deficiency, prominent nutritional scientists are calling on Americans to increase their vitamin D intake to 1,000 IU per day and higher. Currently, most experts in the field believe that intakes of between 1,000 and 10,000 IU for adults will lead to serum 25(OH)D levels above those indicative of vitamin D deficient levels, at approximately 80 nmol/L or 32 ng/mL.
Life Extension recommends that healthy adults supplement each day with at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D. Elderly adults may benefit from higher doses such as 5,000 IU daily up to 10,000 IU daily. The objective of taking a vitamin D supplement is to achieve an optimal 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood level of between 50-80 ng/mL.
Vitamin D in the amount of 2,000 IU is contained in the multi-nutrient Life Extension Mix™ and the multivitamin Two-Per-Day. A vitamin D blood test can help you determine the additional amount of vitamin D you may need to supplement to achieve an optimal level.
Some individuals (such as those weighing more than 180 pounds) may require higher potencies of vitamin D. When combined with 1,000-3,000 IU obtained from multi-nutrient formulas, this 7,000 IU vitamin D3 softgel should enable these individuals to attain optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood levels.
Serving Size 1 softgel | |
Servings Per Container 60 | |
Amount Per Serving | |
Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) |
7000 IU |
Other ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, medium chain triglycerides oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, rosemary extract. |
Individuals consuming more than 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D (from diet and supplements) should periodically obtain a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D measurement. Do not exceed 10,000 IU per day unless recommended by your doctor. Vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for individuals with high blood calcium levels.