I was recently tested for vitamin D, and was in the “average” category . . . although I suppose that depends on what measurement is being used too. Since I am menopausal, my doc said a MAX of 800 IU (if combined with 1200 - 1500 IU of CALCIUM), would be ok for me.

According to the government sources, healthy levels of vitamin D are considered between 10 – 15 ng/mL (or 25 – 37.5 nmol/L). Excess vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, hypersensitivity/hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, oat cell carcinoma of the lung, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Some people do fine with higher levels of vitamin D, and their bodies can process vitamin D taken by supplement . . . yet others can have their liver enzymes go completely out whack only when supplementing (vs. natural methods).

“Vitamin D toxicity can also cause nonspecific symptoms “such as nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. More seriously, it can also raise blood levels of calcium, causing mental status changes such as confusion and heart rhythm abnormalities. The use of supplements of both calcium (1,000 mg/day) and vitamin D (400 IU/day) by postmenopausal women was associated with a 17% increase in the risk of kidney stones over 7 years in the Women's Health Initiative . . .”

“Vitamin D supplements have the potential to interact with several types of medications, ie Steroids. Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, often prescribed to reduce inflammation, can reduce calcium absorption and impair vitamin D metabolism. These effects can further contribute to the loss of bone and the development of osteoporosis associated with their long-term use.”

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp#en13

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitaminDToxicity.shtml

“Vitamin D is viewed as a hormone, a steroid hormone, not a vitamin.” “As with any other hormone, such as thyroid, parathyroid, or growth hormones, dose needs to be individualized.” “I’ve had 98 lb women who require 12,000 units, 300 lb men who require 1000 units, 21-year olds who require 10,000 units.”

“There’s only one way to individualize your need for vitamin D and thereby determine your dose: Measure a blood level.

Nobody can gauge your vitamin D need by looking at you, by your skin color, size, or other simple measurement like weight or body fat. A vitamin D blood level needs to be measured specifically─period.”

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/20...ld-i-take.html

Vitamin D myths:

http://bacteriality.com/2007/09/15/vitamind/

Cherie