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We often hear about how vitamin D is good for you and the diseases it can help prevent, but how do you apply that information for YOUR health?
Take evidence-based steps towards managing your vitamin D level and achieving better health!

Learn More with Our Free eGuide & Email Lessons

Are YOU Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Certain institutional guidelines, specifically those from the outdated 2011 Institute of Medicine (IOM) document that are relied upon by many medical groups, recommend a daily allowance of vitamin D that includes 400 IU per day for infants, 600 IU/day for all non-pregnant and pregnant adults, and 800 IU/day for adults over 70.

These recommendations have contributed to high rates of deficiency and associated diseases, harming the population worldwide.

More recent research has highlighted many newly appreciated, vital associations between low vitamin D levels and extra-skeletal diseases, including several cancers, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, hypertension, increased risk of heart failure, prenatal and neonatal complications, and acute infections.

The recommended daily intakes above are too low to adequately support the role of vitamin D for such extra-skeletal processes, leading to increased risk of related diseases, even among healthy populations.

What Can You Do to Avoid Deficiency?

How much vitamin D should YOU be taking? Everyone responds differently to vitamin D supplementation, making personalized dosing essential…

It is common to hear general suggestions about how much vitamin D people need. Whether considering the extremely low RDA for vitamin D or a suggestion such as “Just take 4,000 IU per day and you’ll be fine,” it is impossible to know what dose might be right for one person versus another.

Everyone responds differently to vitamin D supplement doses, as illustrated by several participants who shared their experiences with vitamin D dosing below – these are excellent examples of how some people need more, and some need less than what they assumed!

Read more stories and testimonials here.

Leading Vitamin D Scientists and Researchers from Around the World Recommend Maintaining Vitamin D Levels of 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) or Higher

A team of the top vitamin D researchers issued a Scientists’ Call to D*action to inform the public of the importance of achieving and maintaining these levels for general health.

Learn More About the Experts at GrassrootsHealth

NOTE: The way to determine vitamin D status is to measure the 25(OH) vitamin D serum level. Higher vitamin D levels may be desired for specific health conditions. Vitamin D status cannot be determined by intake alone!

What is Your Level? Test Now!

Should You Be Concerned?

Vitamin D Deficiency is A Universal Concern Affecting All Age Groups

According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2009-2014) data about Vitamin D Levels in the United States:

  • Almost 90% of U.S. adults had a vitamin D level below the scientists’ recommended range of 40-60 ng/ml
  • More than 90% of children and teenagers had a vitamin D level below 40-60 ng/ml
  • 23% of U.S. adults and 16% of children and teens had a level below 20 ng/ml, increasing the risk of rickets among children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis among adults, as well as many other diseases…

Some individuals have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency than others. Take the quiz to discover your risk of having low vitamin D levels.

Your Information is 100% Secure. 

 

Before discovering how much vitamin D you need, let’s explore several aspects of vitamin D to highlight why it is important to take (and continue taking) your unique dose.

Vitamin D Overview Vitamin D (the “Sunshine Vitamin”), which is both a nutrient and a hormone, is needed by virtually every cell in the body and is essential for hundreds of processes each and every day. It acts as a regulator of all cell types, tissues, and organs, and enhances the functioning of each system of the body to help keep us healthy.

Why do we need vitamin D?  Every tissue in the body needs vitamin D, and deficiency can impair function. Severe deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Milder deficiencies are linked to chronic diseases like osteoporosis, impaired cognitive and immune function, autoimmune disorders (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis), cancers (e.g., breast, colon, lung), high blood pressure, pregnancy complications, and cardiovascular disease.

Research shows that even with occasional sun and food sources, most people cannot reach blood levels of 40-60 ng/ml while living a modern lifestyle, without also taking vitamin D supplements.

 

How to Unlock the Power of Vitamin D in Preventing Diseases and Transforming Lives

Watch This Video to Learn More!

 

Why You Need ENOUGH Vitamin D for Your Health

Concerned about any of the above symptoms?

Everyone responds differently to vitamin D inputs.
Could these factors be increasing your risk of low vitamin D?

Factors Influencing Vitamin D Levels

How can you know if you are getting enough vitamin D? 

Measuring this is the only way to know if an individual is getting enough and how much supplementation may be needed!

Vitamin D toxicity is RARE, but as with anything, you can get TOO MUCH – and this is another important reason to measure your vitamin D level.

 

5 Steps to Discovering the Right Dose of Vitamin D for YOU.

There are certain, evidence-based steps that are essential to finding the right dose of vitamin D and/or the right routine for the level you are trying to achieve.

These steps include:

STEP 1: TEST TO FIND YOUR CURRENT VITAMIN D LEVEL

This can be through your doctor, health care provider, or through a home vitamin D test kit such as that offered through GrassrootsHealth.

WHY do you want to test?

  • Because in order to know where you need to go, you need to know where you are!
  • You cannot blindly supplement… in other words, you cannot assume that you are taking the right dose without measuring your vitamin D level.

Participant Note: GrassrootsHealth participants may need to complete a questionnaire about health and habits, such as supplement intake and sun exposure. This helps identify why a vitamin D level may or may not be as expected, and it contributes to our research as well.

STEP 2: Determine YOUR target level

Our scientists recommend a level between 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) for general health. Some research indicates levels over 60 ng/ml may be beneficial for certain conditions such as autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Certain individuals may want to aim even higher for therapeutic effects of vitamin D, such as aiming for a level over 100 ng/ml for cluster headaches, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders. If this is something you would like to consider, it is highly suggested that you work with a health care provider who is knowledgeable in vitamin D, who can also measure and track for potential vitamin D toxicity.

STEP 3: Calculate YOUR ESTIMATED vitamin D DOSE

Use the Vitamin D*calculator to calculate your estimated daily dose of vitamin D based on your current vitamin D level, your target level, and your weight. Consider a Loading Dose if needed, followed by a Maintenance Dose.

Is your level where you want it to be?

  • If so – GREAT! Keep up the good work and continue with your current dose/regimen to maintain your vitamin D level.

Is your vitamin D level higher than you want it to be? Is it lower than what you expected?

  • We will provide you with additional information to help you determine your next steps.

STEP 4: Implement your new vitamin D supplement dose and/or routine

Taking or getting vitamin D3 daily is important. It is not recommended to take vitamin D on any more than a weekly basis.

Implement your preferred changes in supplementation, diet, and/or sun exposure to achieve and maintain your target blood levels. Reaching your target level can take approximately 2-3 months, or quicker if using a loading dose. Once achieved, the maintenance dose is the dose for you to stick with until a different vitamin D level is desired.

Remember to consider including sunshine or an indoor UVB device, increasing vitamin D rich foods, and adding important co-nutrients.

STEP 5: Re-test your level to see how your vitamin D routine is working (this step is VITAL!)

Adjust your vitamin D intake again if needed, or consider evaluating vitamin D co-nutrients or other factors if you did not achieve the result you expected.

REPEAT STEPS 1-5 EVERY 3-6 MONTHS UNTIL YOU’VE FOUND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!  Do this until you have reached your target, and continue with your maintenance dose. *Do not stop taking vitamin D once your target level has been reached.* Experts suggest testing a minimum of twice each year to make sure target levels are maintained, as levels tend to be highest at the end of summer and lowest at the end of winter.

ARE YOU GUESSING THAT YOUR VITAMIN D LEVEL IS FINE?

Test, Don’t Guess! 

Get your vitamin D level tested with our easy home blood spot test. Plus, explore additional nutrient testing for Omega-3s, Magnesium, and other important health measurements. Join the D*action Project to optimize your health and contribute to valuable research!

Enroll in D*action and Build Your Custom Test Kit – Choose from the Following Additional Tests

 

 

Additional Finger-prick Blood Spot Tests Available as Options to Include with Your Vitamin D

Omega-3 Index – Choose to test alone or with additional fatty acid ratios

The Omega-3 Index can be an indication of risk for heart disease, loss of cognitive function, cellular aging, depression, dry eye disease, and death from all causes. The AA:EPA ratio and Omega-6:3 ratio are measures of pro/anti-inflammatory fatty acids; knowing these ratios can help you take more specific steps towards improving fatty acid status and achieving lower levels of inflammation through diet and supplements.

Click to learn more about these tests and when they are important to consider.




Magnesium (Mg) – Choose to test alone or with other essential & toxic elements

Check your magnesium level with or without levels of essential elements copper, selenium and zinc, and toxic elements lead, cadmium and mercury.

Click to learn more about these tests and when they are important to consider.


 







High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

Measure the level of inflammation in your body with this test. An increase in CRP levels can indicate a hidden disease that has not yet been diagnosed; in fact, some research suggests that the level of CRP can predict heart disease even ten years before diagnosis. High CRP levels are often seen in acute inflammation and have been correlated with high cardiovascular disease risk, while smaller elevations are often indicative of chronic inflammation and chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Click to learn more about this test and when is is important to consider.



Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

HbA1c is a measure of how healthy average blood sugar levels have been in the recent few months, and is a better representation of blood sugar health than a single glucose measurement. Higher levels are associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive diseases, and more.

Click to learn more about this test and when is is important to consider.


 


Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Check your TSH level as an indicator of thyroid health.

Click to learn more about this test and when is is important to consider.


 


Add the above measurements to your vitamin D test kit!

 

Take Evidence-Based Steps Towards Achieving Optimal Vitamin D Levels

Learn the Following Key Information with Our Free Guide and Email Lessons:

  • What is Vitamin D? Basics about vitamin D and its role in health
  • Why Do We Need Vitamin D? Explanation of the health benefits and importance
  • Vitamin D Deficiency: How it affects our health and why it matters
  • How to Get Vitamin D: Natural sources, supplement options, and sun exposure
  • Managing Your Vitamin D Levels: Tips for integrating vitamin D practices into daily life
  • Testing for Vitamin D: Importance of testing and understanding your results
  • Clearing Up Confusion and Concerns: Vitamin D safety, cautions, and when to consider supplementing with vitamin D co-factors
  • Supplementation Strategies: How to use supplements effectively to maintain optimal levels
  • Additional Nutrients: Brief overview of other important nutrients, such as omega-3s and magnesium

Testing Creates Awareness & Opportunities for Health Improvement

A GrassrootsHealth project in North Dakota enrolled 49 participants to measure vitamin D levels, with a focus on determining the extent to which certain factors affected the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Only 1 participant had a vitamin D level in the scientists’ recommended 40-60 ng/ml range.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER: Re-Testing is Essential You Cannot Assume You Are Getting Enough

(Experts call it “Blind Supplementation”)
Why not just take a supplement?

Among 5,442 GrassrootsHealth participants who completed at least two vitamin D tests, approximately half (51%) achieved 40 ng/ml on their first test compared to two-thirds (67%) on their second test – leaving 1/3 of those who re-tested still below the 40 ng/ml target level.

There are certain times when an individual might want to re-test sooner (such as with loading dose, if you’ve been sick, etc.). Once re-testing, determine if additional adjustments are needed… repeat again if necessary.

Another Reason Testing is Necessary

A total of 8,355 records were included in a preliminary analysis to compare the self-reported vitamin D intake to the calculated supplemental intake amounts

  • According to our data, participants who underestimated their daily intake typically forgot to include the vitamin D from their multivitamin or other non-vitamin D specific supplements that contained vitamin D
  • Those who overestimated typically put the amount that is on their supplement bottle but did not adjust for the fact that they didn’t take it every day or that they took fewer pills than a full “dose”

 

 

A participant story about the importance of re-testing to find the best personalized dose:

Vitamin D and Myasthenia Gravis

On February 4th, 2016, I was diagnosed with late-onset generalized myasthenia gravis with heavy bulbar involvement. My vitamin D level was 24 ng/ml. The first line treatment of prednisone and Mestinon did not work, so instead of continuing it and adding Imuran, I chose to go to alternative medicine. My NMD advised me to get my vitamin D level up to the high end of normal = 100 ng/ml. I was taking at the time 5,000 IUs per my neurologist RX. My level then was at 27 ng/ml.

After four months of weekly vitamin D injections of 75,000 IUs and oral supplements of 8,000 IUs daily, plus sensible sun exposure, my level got to 42 ng/ml. I started to feel better, had less severe myasthenia gravis symptoms and they occurred less frequently.

My vitamin D level for the last two years has been above 80 ng/ml (high of 97 ng/ml) and I rarely have myasthenia gravis symptoms. I am off prednisone and Mestinon, and the only prescription I take is low dose naltrexone. I take about 23,000 IUs of vitamin D with my breakfast and get regular sensible sun exposure. Thank you to GrassrootsHealth! I’ve watched many of your UCSD conference lectures that stimulated me to learn more about vitamin D. I just watched Carole Baggerly’s interview with Dr Mercola for 2011 and learned about your clinicals with vitamin D. If you ever do one for autoimmunity/myasthenia gravis I’m in.

-B.M. (2019)

Read more stories and testimonials here.

These Steps WORK!

What do Vitamin D Levels Look Like Among Individuals Educated About the Above Steps (compared to the general population)?

When comparing vitamin D levels in children and teens in the NHANES cohort to the GrassrootsHealth cohort (ages <18):

  • Children and teens in the GrassrootsHealth cohort have significantly higher levels than those in the NHANES cohort
  • 47% of children and teens in the GrassrootsHealth cohort have levels at or above 40 ng/ml compared to 7% in the NHANES cohort
  • Only 7% of children and teens in the GrassrootsHealth cohort have levels below 20 ng/ml compared to 16% in the NHANES cohort

When comparing vitamin D levels among the general US adult population to those of adults in the GrassrootsHealth cohort

  • Adults in the GrassrootsHealth cohort have significantly higher levels than those in the NHANES cohort
  • 58% of adults in the GrassrootsHealth cohort have levels at or above 40 ng/ml compared to 13% in the NHANES cohort
  • Only 4% of adults in the GrassrootsHealth cohort have levels below 20 ng/ml compared to 23% in the NHANES cohort

Remember, after getting your vitamin D results, you will be able to:

  • See if your vitamin D level is within the optimal range for your health
  • Identify steps to take if your vitamin D level is too low (or, too high)
  • Calculate a personalized dose of vitamin D
  • Determine if there is a need for a loading dose to get your vitamin D level up quickly
  • See where your vitamin D level is at compared to thousands of others in the GrassrootsHealth study
  • Re-test at your convenience
  • Receive ongoing education about vitamin D and other important nutrients by signing up for the GrassrootsHealth news and updates

… all while contributing to valuable vitamin D research!

 

 

 

 

Ready to learn from the best? Meet the world’s leading vitamin D experts

 Learn More

In Conclusion

Supplementation does not always provide the expected change in vitamin D level and does not guarantee that you will be within your target range. It is also possible to take too much vitamin D. It is vital to TEST, ADJUST, RE-TEST and REPEAT to make sure that the vitamin D intake is effective at achieving and maintaining the desired target vitamin D level (and not a level that is too low or too high for your health concerns).

Remember, other nutrients and blood markers are also important to our overall health. Add several other important health measures when you build your custom vitamin D test kit.

Learn More with Our Easy-to-Read Guide…

 

 

Enroll and Become a Citizen Scientist

 

Becoming a participant of the GrassrootsHealth vitamin D*action study means that you are joining thousands of people in collaborating on nutrient research – we call it Citizen Science.

Since its founding, GrassrootsHealth has grown into the world’s largest population field trial on vitamin D, thanks to the thousands of participants who have contributed as “Citizen Scientists.” By joining the GrassrootsHealth project, everyone has provided valuable health information to make important health discoveries and methods to help Move Research into Practice — while also measuring their vitamin D level and receiving education and tools to help track, achieve and maintain healthy levels for themselves.

Create your custom home test kit to measure your levels at home as part of the D*action project!

With your kit you can measure your:

  • Vitamin D
  • Magnesium PLUS Essential and Toxic Elements
  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
  • hsCRP (a marker of inflammation)
  • HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar health)
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  • and more!

 

Several of our products and resources offered, including the Vitamin D*Calculator, Know D*Number eGuide, and Vitamin D Deficiency Risk Assessment Quiz, as well as all Vitamin D*action study materials, have been reviewed and approved by the WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG). This approval reflects adherence to WCG’s high standards for ethics, quality, and protections in human research.