Point - Counterpoint on Vitamin D

Here are two very divergent views on the need for making enough Vit D3 in our bodies.
The first link describes what I believe and advocate - adequate Vit D3 in the blood for a multitude of good reaons - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/28/if-you-choose-to-take-oral-vitamin-d-how-much-should-you-take.aspx?source=nl

• bone structure maintenance because Vit D 3 promotes adequare calcium  absorption
• use in blood sugar maintenance
• use in PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome - hormone regulator and I have seen women with PCOS get pregnant little more than adequate D3 levels and carbs restriction
• autoimmune effects on MS, rheumatoid disease and lupus.

The second link is an article opposed to sunlight  or tanning and ignores its use in making Vit D because of the risks of any sunlight exposure. It ignores the Vit D3 research of the past year which is so important.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25378496/

Read both for an eye-opening look at two opposing views.

I regularly test Vit D3 levels in many adults and find most are deficient by today's latest standards. Insurance often pays for this test and if not, it is $125 in Liberal for non-insured adults. I suggest between 2 and 8 thousand units D3 for adults and retest their levels as they increase their doses of D3 to achieve at least 55 ng/ml level as the research supports this level as optimal. I have rarely found an adult in this range without oral supplementation. It is likely that Vit D3 is absorbed best with other fats as it is fat soluble. I have not found any research on this issue. Wyeth published research a couple of years ago that showed calcium absorption is also best at D3 levels between 55 and 60 ng/ml, So get your D3 blood level tested and make sure it is between 55 and 60 ng/ml. It is by far the cheapest vitamin on the planet to make major improvements in your health and your risk of future disease.

drBob