Vitamin D on Good Morning America

1. February 2007 William Davis (9)

Positive comments about vitamin D made it to a discussion on Good Morning America today about the new and exciting developments in nutrition and "functional foods".

I'm thrilled that the media is conducting these conversations. It sure is making my job easier, not having to persuade patients that taking vitamin D is truly and hugely beneficial for health. I still have to struggle with my colleagues, who tell patients to stop the "poisonous" doses we use.

But I worry that many of the details behind vitamin D don't quite make it to the media conversation. These are crucial, make-it-or-break-it issues, such as:

--Vitamin D must be vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol, not D2 or ergocalciferol. D2 is virtually worthless. Little or none is converted to the active D3, despite the fact that D2 is the form often added to some foods.

--Vitamin D3 supplements must be oil-based capsules, or gelcaps. Tablets are so poorly or erratically absorbed that it's simply not worth the effort. (We get ours from the Vitamin Shoppe.)

--The dose should be sufficient to eliminate the phenemena of deficiency, which is around 50 ng/ml. I take 6000 units per day. Dr. John Cannell of www.vitamindcouncil.com takes 5000 units per day. I give my wife 2000 units per day (she's not as deficient as I was), each of my kids 1000 units per day, except for my 180 lb. 15 year old who takes 2000 units.

I fear that, when people hear that vitamin D packs fabulous effects for health, they will take a 400 unit tablet--nothing will happen. They will not obtain the benefits such as reduction of blood pressure and blood sugar; increased bone density, reduction of arthritis, dramatic reduction in risk for fractures; reduction in risk for colon, prostate, and breast cancer; reduction in risk for multiple sclerosis; reduction in inflammatory processes such as those evidenced by C-reactive protein; and facilitation of reduction of heart scan score.
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Comments (9) -

  • Meredith Curry

    2/1/2007 1:24:00 AM |

    Ooh, that's interesting about D3.  Glad you explained that.  I'm going to check it out right now.  Thanks doc Smile

  • Cindy

    2/2/2007 2:04:00 AM |

    A few months back I read that D2 was what was used in fortifying milk and other foods. Do you know if that's changed?

    Curious what you would recommend for a woman with no known D deficiency? Or should we all get levels done? I have a rather uncooperative doc and it's just not worth trying to get her to order blood work, and I can't afford to get it done without insurance coverage. I currently take 1000iu pills (in oil) 2 one day and 3 the next.

  • Dr. Davis

    2/2/2007 3:06:00 AM |

    Unfortunately, nothing substitutes for a blood level of 25-OH-vitamin D3.

    However, common factors that affect your vitamin D3 requirement include:

    --Body size
    --Skin color--the more dark-skinned you are, the greater your requirement.
    --Sex--Males require more, females less.
    --Geographic location--Extremely important. Northern climate requirements are probably about half that of southern climates in winter.

    If you are unable to obtain a blood level and you are not exposed to substantial sun, then 2000 units per day of an oil-based gelcap would be a reasonable quantity. But please keep in mind that this is an estimate, not a precise prescription.

  • Jim

    2/3/2007 7:07:00 AM |

    The media and many experts either ignore or minimize the fact that all the vitamin D3 a human body can use is processed naturally during just one or two sessions a week in a tanning bed.  

    The UVB from tanning bed lamps is more effective processing vitamin D3 that the Sun in Northern states during the Winter.  

    Moderation is the key. Don't sunburn.  

    One can feel good about looking good and healthy with a tan.

  • David

    2/5/2007 9:53:00 PM |

    Is cod liver oil a good source for vitamin D3 & if so, what dosage? Does the presence of vitamin A complicate things (ie toxicity). TIA

  • Dr. Davis

    2/7/2007 6:15:00 AM |

    Cod liver oil would not be my first choice. Problems: great variation in vitamin D content, saturated fat, and vitamin A.

    In my view, the best way to get vitamin D (when sun is not available) is a vitamin D--only-- supplement. That way you can regulate the amount you need with reasonable precision.

  • David

    2/7/2007 9:01:00 PM |

    Thx for your reply. Saturated fat in cod liver oil? Hmmm ... that's a surprise. I had the impression that it was loaded with omega-3 fats. Hell, what do I know?

  • buy jeans

    11/3/2010 10:17:11 PM |

    They will not obtain the benefits such as reduction of blood pressure and blood sugar; increased bone density, reduction of arthritis, dramatic reduction in risk for fractures; reduction in risk for colon, prostate, and breast cancer; reduction in risk for multiple sclerosis; reduction in inflammatory processes such as those evidenced by C-reactive protein; and facilitation of reduction of heart scan score.

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