Originally Posted by mrsD

We have several D threads now on the Vitamin forum.

D2 is rx only because historically it was the only one for many decades (no D3 otc). It also appears in doctor's therapeutic manuals still and that is why they write for it.

The general rule of thumb is 1000IU of D3 for every 10ng you need to raise in the blood work. Your target amount should be 50-60ng/ml, as per the newest research. For 21ng/ml to 50ng you'd need at least 3000IU D3 daily. I am not so sure that large dose of D2 will work very well. You can hold off and get retested so you will have EVIDENCE of this. In the meantime, watch the videos, and read the grassrootshealth website.

I was somewhat leary at first of all this new info, which I think the doctors are also very LEARY. But over the past 4 yrs I've gone from 1000IU D3 daily to 2000IU daily, 4000IU daily and now 5000IU daily. When I hit the 5000 mark my winter time blues (SAD) did not come this winter. So that is where I am staying. When I go out in the sun (if it ever appears here! Brrrrr) I stop taking it. On vacation I tend to be out all day. That is when I feel the best too! After end of Sept...I used to really start dragging! So now I am a believer too!

Most of the people posting on all these forums are quite low when they get tested. I've seen some report levels in the single digits!

D3 is the active natural form of Vit D.... it is OTC because there are no drug companies making it (getting a new drug application for it--because it is not patentable).

The second video in that link I gave is from Australia and there the doctors use 4000IU D3 daily until blood levels come up. Then they use 1000IU D3 daily (which I think is not enough) for maintenance.

It is very irksome that doctors will test for B12 and D and then do treatments that are inferior. What a waste is that? meh!
The OTC products you mention are quite low in D. People think milk is a good source... nope. 100 IU of D2 per 8oz!

Also I think the liquigel forms are better than dry tablets. When you decide to start D3 in earnest buy it in the liquigel form.
NOW makes an affordable one.