Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I receive several doctor newsletters and they all seem to talk about the health benefits of vitamin D. I have been taking OsteoStrong from EuroPharma, which I like very much, and it seems it has helped my joint and bone structure. It has 4,000 IUs of vitamin D and I’m wondering if this is a sufficient quantity to satisfy my requirements.” Kathryn L., St. Louis, MO A. Dear Kathryn, I agree with you that vitamin D has a tremendous impact on our health. Unfortunately, many of us are deficient in vitamin D. In just a recent study, 90% of African American children are deficient in vitamin D. That is unacceptable. Vitamin D can affect our bones, immune system, the health of our heart, and the brain as well. I would probably vote for it as one of my top five nutritional must-have supplements. Previously, scientists thought that 400 IUs of vitamin D were adequate, but new research has discovered that 400 IUs was very inadequate and scientists are now demanding new regulations to increase the daily requirements to at least 3,000 IUs for women and 2,000 IUs for men. For some, the optimal dosage range may go as high as 10,000 IUs but for this dosage, I would certainly seek a physician’s advice.