A balanced diet can help provide vitamin D along with other nutrients needed for healthy bones.
If dietary intake is insufficient or a deficiency is confirmed, a healthcare professional may recommend a supplement.
How Much Vitamin D Do Adults Need?
The recommended daily amount for adults ages 19–70 is 15 micrograms (600 IU), while adults over 70 generally need 20 micrograms (800 IU) per day. These recommendations include vitamin D obtained from food, beverages, and supplements. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
However, individual needs can differ. Someone with a medically confirmed deficiency may be advised to take a different amount for a specific period under professional supervision.
More Is Not Always Better
One important point is that vitamin D should not be treated as a supplement where higher doses are automatically better.
Excessive vitamin D from supplements can cause dangerously high calcium levels and may result in nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, excessive thirst and urination, kidney stones, kidney problems, and other serious complications. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
For adults, the general upper limit is 4,000 IU (100 micrograms) per day from all sources unless a healthcare professional recommends a different therapeutic dose for a specific medical reason. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
