Vitamin D Information

POSITION STATEMENT on VITAMIN D

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that an adequate amount of vitamin D should be obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D, foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D, and/or vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D should not be obtained from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Unprotected UV exposure to the sun or indoor tanning devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

Studies have shown that UV radiation from both the sun and tanning devices can cause oncogenic mutations in skin cells. Use of sunbeds has also been associated with increased risk for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

There is no scientifically validated, safe threshold level of UV exposure from the sun that allows for maximal vitamin D synthesis without increasing skin cancer risk.
To protect against skin cancer, a comprehensive photoprotective regimen, including the regular use and proper use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, is recommended.

The Academy also recommends that physicians should provide information on options for obtaining sufficient dietary or supplementary sources of vitamin D to their patients who are at high risk for vitamin D insufficiency.

Many epidemiological studies suggest an association between low serum vitamin D levels and increased risk of certain types of cancers, neurologic disease, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease.

It should be emphasized that the causal relationship of vitamin D to these diseases has yet to be demonstrated with clinical trials.

A blood test to measure serum vitamin D level, expressed as the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], is widely available.

Further research is needed to determine the appropriate serum concentration of vitamin D required for overall good health.

If you would like to know more about The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for vitamin D, click here.


A higher dose of vitamin D intake, through a combination of diet and supplementation, may be necessary for individuals with known risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g. dark skin individuals, elderly persons, photosensitive individuals, people with limited sun exposure, obese individuals or those with fat malabsorption).

A daily total dose of 1000 IU (International Units) of vitamin D for these at-risk groups has been discussed in the current US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) current recommendation of 400 IU/day for children age 0-18 years should be considered.

For vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D3, the natural form of vitamin D, is preferable over vitamin D2.

Adults who regularly and properly practice photoprotection may also be at risk for vitamin D insufficiency, and may be considered for a daily total dose of 1000 IU vitamin D.