For adults, a typical level of vitamin D in the blood is 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) or above. Levels of 12 ng/ml are too low and levels of 50 ng/ml are too high. Levels in a range that is too high or too low may affect a person’s health. However, needs vary between individuals.
The body depends on vitamin D for a variety of reasons, but it is
In this article, we look at:
- normal vitamin D levels by age
- why vitamin D is important
- signs of a deficiency
- how to increase vitamin D
- if too much is possible
According to the
| Age | Amount |
| 0–12 months | 10 micrograms (mcg) or 400 international units (IU) |
| 1–70 years | 15 mcg or 600 IU |
| 71+ years | 20 mcg or 800 IU |
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding also need 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D per day.
Doctors use blood tests to determine if someone has adequate levels of vitamin D. They measure vitamin D using one of two measurements: nanomoles per liter (nmol/l) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
The following table provides
| Level | Blood test result |
| Low | 30 nmol/l or 12 ng/ml or below |
| Adequate | 50 nmol/l or 20 ng/ml or above |
| High | 125 nmol/l or 50 ng/ml or above |
A person can talk to their doctor to get a better understanding of what their blood test results mean.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, both vital minerals for building strong bones.
Without adequate vitamin D, a person may develop soft, weak, or brittle bones. This
Vitamin D also contributes to the health of muscles, nerves, the brain, and the immune system.
Evidence suggests vitamin D may help to prevent some
However, scientists are still trying to understand how vitamin D may influence specific conditions. Research into its ability to influence diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis, is ongoing.
People can get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight or, to a lesser extent, from food. If someone does not get enough vitamin D from these sources, they may develop a deficiency.
The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some people are more at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency than others. This includes:
- breastfed infants, as human milk has limited vitamin D
- older adults, who do not absorb vitamin D, plus younger adults
- people with darker skin, who absorb less vitamin D from sunlight
- people who stay indoors for prolonged periods
- people with obesity, as fat cells bind to vitamin D and stop it entering the bloodstream
Some health conditions and medications can also make it more difficult for someone to absorb vitamin D, including:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- some types of cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- celiac disease
- chronic inflammatory diseases
- hyperparathyroidism
- antiseizure medications
- medications for HIV/AIDS
- gastric bypass surgery
People can get at least some of their daily vitamin D from exposure to sunlight.However, as light levels vary, depending on location and the time of year, a person may not be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.
A 2019 study in Switzerland found that only
This suggests that people who live in colder climates, or who spend most of their time indoors, may benefit from vitamin D supplements. However, a person should talk to their doctor before taking vitamin D, as it can interact with some medications.
Sunlight can also cause skin damage and sunburn, so it is essential to use sunscreen when spending time outside.
A study on Australian office workers found that applying sunscreen meant people could spend more time outdoors, leading to higher vitamin D levels overall.
People can also get some of their vitamin D from food. According to the
- oily fish, such as mackerel, tuna, and trout
- beef liver
- portobello mushrooms
- chicken breasts
- dairy products
- fortified cereals
The study on Australian office workers found that fish consumption, in particular, had a positive effect on vitamin D levels during winter.
A person can take too much vitamin D. Since vitamin D occurs naturally in only a few food sources, the most likely way a person can get too much vitamin D is through taking a high strength supplement.
According to one
- recurrent vomiting
- polyuria, or increased daily urine output
- confusion
- polydipsia, or an abnormal increase in thirst
- apathy
- abdominal pain
- dehydration
The
| Age | Maximum |
| 0–6 months | 25 mcg or 1,000 IU |
| 7–12 months | 38 mcg or 1,500 IU |
| 1–3 years | 63 mcg or 2,500 IU |
| 4–8 years | 75 mcg or 3,000 IU |
| 9+ years | 100 mcg or 4,000 IU |
A person should see a doctor if they notice the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity. They can bring a list of any supplements they are taking to the appointment to help with the doctor’s diagnosis.
A person should also see their doctor if they notice symptoms of a lack of vitamin D. A doctor may do a physical examination, ask questions, or perform a blood test to see if the person has a deficiency.
Normal vitamin D levels in the blood are 20 ng/ml or above for adults. People aged 1–70 years should aim to get at least 15 mcg or 600 IU of vitamin D per day. Those who are older or at risk for a deficiency may require more.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for a variety of reasons, particularly for bone health. A person will often get enough vitamin D from sunlight, but if they are at risk for a deficiency, they may benefit from taking a supplement.