Vitamin D is essential for good health, helping the body build strong bones and support muscle, nerve and immune system function. Yet many people may not realize they are not getting enough of this important nutrient.

Gothenburg Health is committed to helping community members understand important health topics they may hear about in the media, including vitamin D and its role in overall wellness. 

There’s a lot of information about vitamin D in the news and online, and not all of it is accurate,” said Dr. Anna Dalrymple, chief medical officer at Gothenburg Health. “We want people to have reliable, evidence-based information so they can make decisions about their health with confidence.”

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which keeps bones strong and lowers the risk of fractures. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin D also supports heart and brain health, helps regulate blood sugar, may reduce the risk of certain cancers and may lower the risk of depression. However, it does not treat depression, improve insulin control or lead to weight loss.

Low levels of vitamin D can affect people of all ages. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that symptoms may include low back pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches or throbbing bone pain. In children, vitamin D deficiency can interfere with normal growth. In adults, long-term deficiency may contribute to osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis.

People get vitamin D in three main ways: from sunlight, food and dietary supplements. The body produces vitamin D when bare skin is exposed to the sun, but experts recommend limiting sun exposure because ultraviolet rays increase the risk of skin cancer.

Diet can help fill in the gaps. Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include mushrooms, fish, milk, cheese, ham and egg yolks. Many breakfast cereals and orange juices are fortified with vitamin D, making them convenient options. Supplements are another choice for people who have difficulty meeting daily needs through food and sunlight alone.

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D varies by age. Infants need about 400 international units (IU) per day. Children, teens, most adults and pregnant or breastfeeding women should get about 600 IU daily. Adults age 71 and older need about 800 IU per day, according to NIH guidelines.

Dalrymple suggests one of the best ways to know whether vitamin D levels are healthy is through a blood test. While most people in the United States have adequate levels, nearly one out of four people has vitamin D levels that are too low for good bone and overall health, according to the NIH.

For individuals interested in checking their levels, Gothenburg Health offers Direct Access Testing (DAT). This service allows individuals to order certain lab tests themselves without a doctor’s order and without submitting the test to insurance. A vitamin D blood test is available through DAT for a cash price of $20.

Direct Access Testing is designed to give patients more control over their healthcare and expenses, particularly those with high-deductible insurance plans. Test results can be shared with a primary care provider to help determine next steps if needed. A complete list of available tests is available at www.gothenburghealth.org/services/outpatient/direct-access-testing/lab-dat.

If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, DAT testing along with regular visits to your primary care provider offers a simple way to take proactive steps toward your overall wellbeing.