Comments on: Loving the BITE: Vitamin D for Athletic Performance and Health

By: Kelli Jennings

Kelli Jennings — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:12:00 +0000

Hi Peter,
I think you’re good in the Spring/Summer. If you get outside at mid-day (10am-3pm) for 20-30 minutes everyday in the Fall/Winter, you may be okay year-round. If not, you might want to supplement, or eat a high Vitamin D fish regularly in these months. The toxicity limits are really high, potentially around 40,000 IU per day for adults, so if you are in doubt 1000-2000 IU per day in the Fall/Winter wouldn’t hurt. Of course, you can’t know for sure without testing it. I hope this helps! Take care!

By: Peter S

Peter S — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:16:00 +0000

I usually get no shortage of sunlight. I live in Florida so if I am outside quite often each week am I okay or should I still get some extra vitamin D?

By: Kelli Jennings

Kelli Jennings — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Hi Brian, I recommend a Vitamin D3 softgel or liquid drops. Many brands have them, and I like the vitacost.com brand for this vitamin. It’s a mini-softgel (tiny little pill) @ 2000 IU. You can find something similar at most all vitamin stores/pharmacies – mostly, look for D3 and no other artificial flavorings/colorings. Take it with a meal that contains fats, as you’ll absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like vitamin D) when eating fats. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you may prefer D2 – with this plant-based type, it’s important that you take it everyday (and not skip doses and then make up doses). Its “half-life” is shorter than D3, so it’s not as effective unless taken consistently. For others, who possibly need calcium in their diets, a Cal/Vitamin D supplement may be appropriate. 500 mg calcium + 500 IU Vitamin D is usually a good target. I hope this helps!

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:04:00 +0000

I don’t eat fish but I understand the importance of taking vitamin D. Is there a certain supplement you would suggest?

By: Kelli Jennings

Kelli Jennings — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Thanks, Tim! I do think it’s a much bigger problem than most people realize. There is sometimes a bit of resistance with supplementing it as we all want to think we make enough naturally with sunlight. The old RDA’s of 400 IU per day are outdated and based on the previous understanding that Vitamin D’s role was limited to calcium absorption, bone health, and prevention of rickets. So, if you don’t have rickets, it’s easy to think you’re fine in terms of Vit D. Now, we know it does much more and we need more. Glad you’re getting enough now!

By: Tim Starry

Tim Starry — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:16:00 +0000

I was referred to an endocrinologist by my primary doctor to check some troubling blood work. I also had various symptoms. One of several things she tested was vitamin D level. It was low. I now take substantial supplements and focus on vitamin D foods. One of the things she told me is that many doctors think that current daily minimums are too low.

Vitamin D is a critical component in many metabolic functions. Improving your levels will not only improve athletic performance, it can improve other issues as well.