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. Hello Terry, “With all the news on the benefits of vitamin D3, I have my family and myself using a very good brand of vitamin D for the winter. Now that summer is just about here, I was wondering if I should still keep them on vitamin D.” Jill B., Bozeman MT

A. Dear Jill, “I would absolutely recommend that you keep you and your family on a good level of vitamin D. I would recommend 3000 IUs per day for an adult woman, and 2000 IUs per day for an adult man. For kids over the age of six, I would recommend 800 to 1000 IUs per day. I believe that vitamin D should be given to infants and those under six, at least 400 to 800 IUs per day, in a pediatric formula, but check with your doctor to recommend an infant formula. It is important to note that even breast-fed babies can have inadequate vitamin D. While the sun radiating on our skin can produce significant quantities of vitamin D, why leave that function up to chance? We all wear more clothing than our native ancestors did and most of us work indoors. Windows allow for no production of vitamin D by the sun. There is just too much to gain by getting a significant level of vitamin D daily. The extra amount that you would get from the sun is just an added benefit.”