New Vitamin D Guidelines - Update or Bogus?

In the October 2012 issue of the science journal PLOS ONE, researchers determined that the appropriate level of Vitamin D for the average American is above 20 ng/ml which is 10 points lower than the original cut-off of 30ng/ml.  These new lab values have been picked up and supported by the Institute of Medicine and subsequently several insurance companies however other groups, such as the Endocrine Society, maintains 30 ng/ml and above is adequate.

There is a lot of research in general about Vitamin D.  It is touted as a vitamin (actually, it's a hormone) that helps with bone strength and support, muscles, mood (think seasonal depression in the cold winter months), autoimmune conditions (most all of them) and cancer protection/prevention.  The Institute of Medicine reports that the evidence is 'too conflicting' to really support a higher Vitamin D level in the blood yet reputed groups such as The Vitamin D Council and Life Extension coupled with the Endocrine Society think otherwise.

Does it matter?

I think so.  If research can point to higher levels of Vitamin D (as in the 50-100 ng/ml) range as even *possibly* helpful for bones, mood, autoimmune and cancer without side effects (assuming one does not overdose on Vitamin D), then let's support the *possibly* and take Vitamin D.  Anecdotally, patients often report just 'feeling better' at higher levels (as in above 20 ng/ml).

Either way, talk with your health care provider and request Vitamin D testing.  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and does require other nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and Vitamin K, to work more effectively.    The Vitamin D3 form known as cholecalciferol, is the more appropriate form to take.

References:
Holly Kramer, Chris Sempos, Guichan Cao, Amy Luke, David Shoham, Richard Cooper, Ramon Durazo-Arvizu. Mortality Rates Across 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) Levels among Adults with and without Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate <60 .="." 7="7" font="font" nbsp="nbsp" one.="one." plos="plos">