Vitamin D season is now officially over in the midwest. From September to April the sun is so low in the sky that the UVB rays (the ones that make vitamin D in our skin) simply bounce off the earth’s atmosphere. Blood vitamin D levels drop substantially if you do not take a D3 supplement throughout the winter. This can even happen in summer if you do not get enough sun exposure a few days a week. This will increase the probability of your chances of developing some of the most prevalent diseases that plague us.

Most labs and physicians say if your blood vitamin D levels are above 30, you’re good. But vitamin D research shows higher is better (see chart). If it is 30, it will help prevent heart disease, but not cancer. You need to get your D levels above 50 or even 60. I recommend taking 5,000-10,000 of D3 daily for adults. Ask you doctor to test your vitamin D and take the right amount to get in the 50-80 range. Take your “D” and stay healthy, everyone!