How Much Vitamin D Per Day

When it comes to meeting our daily dietary needs for essential nutrients, it can be difficult to know how much of a certain vitamin or mineral we need on a daily basis. While certain nutrient requirements vary depending on the individual, there are some general guidelines for how much of a nutrient we should aim to take in. One of these essential vitamins is Vitamin D.

So, how much Vitamin D should you be getting per day? Generally speaking, it’s recommended that adults over the age of 50 get 15 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin D per day. For adults under 50, the recommended amount is 20 mcg per day. For pregnant and nursing women, the recommended amount is 20 mcg as well.

These figures are based on the recommended daily dietary allowances, which are the amount of a nutrient that is sufficient to meet the needs of 97-98% of people in a life stage and gender group. For those who may have specific health issues, a more tailored recommendation may be necessary.

It’s important to note that Vitamin D intake doesn’t have just one source. For many people, you can get Vitamin D from your food. Good sources include fish, eggs, and, in some cases, milk. For others, you may need to supplement your Vitamin D intake with multivitamins or other supplements. Because too much Vitamin D can be toxic, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any additional supplements.

In short, adults over the age of 50 should aim for 15 mcg of Vitamin D per day, and adults under 50 should aim for 20 mcg. If you think you may need more, speaking to a healthcare professional is the best way to figure out what’s right for you.