Why Do People Need High Doses Of Vitamin D3

Why Do People Need High Doses Of Vitamin D3

Lara Morgan Lee, MD

Lara Morgan Lee, MD

Lara Morgan Lee, MD is a board-certified internist and sports medicine physician. She’s a former team physician for professional athletes and currently a CEO and founder of two companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Evansville and a Medical Degree (MD) from Indiana University

The Vitamin Your Body Needs but Can't Make

Did you know that there is a crucial vitamin your body requires but cannot produce on its own? Vitamin D is essential, and although there are two ways to obtain it, one is significantly more efficient than the other. However, that method is also the most difficult to achieve, particularly if you have dark skin, live in a cold or cloudy climate, or have certain medical conditions.

How Your Body Gets Vitamin D

Sunlight: The Most Effective but Hardest Method

When your skin is exposed to sunlight, a chemical reaction occurs, creating a precursor molecule that transforms into pre-Vitamin D3. However, this pre-Vitamin D3 is not yet active. It must first be transported in the bloodstream to the liver, where it is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D)—the form that is measured in blood tests.

From the liver, it travels to the kidneys, where it is finally transformed into calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D. This final form is essential for supporting bone health, muscle function, and even the immune system.

Food Sources: Easier but Less Efficient

The second way to obtain Vitamin D is through diet. Foods such as fatty fish and egg yolks contain Vitamin D in a form that can be readily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. However, the downside to this method is that it is not nearly as effective as sunlight exposure. To obtain enough Vitamin D from food alone, you would need to consume a significant amount of these Vitamin D-rich foods regularly.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for multiple aspects of health, including:

  • Bone Health: It plays a critical role in calcium absorption, helping to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.

  • Muscle Function: It supports muscle contractions and overall strength.

  • Immune System Support: Helps your body fight infections and diseases.

Ensuring Adequate Vitamin D Levels

Given the challenges of obtaining sufficient Vitamin D from sunlight and diet alone, Vitamin D supplementation may be necessary. It is important to check your Vitamin D levels with your doctor and determine whether additional Vitamin D supplementation is needed to maintain optimal health.

Take Control of Your Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that many people are deficient in, regardless of age or fitness level. Ensuring that you receive enough through sunlight, diet, or Vitamin D supplementation can significantly impact your overall health.



  1. Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or supplement routine. 

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