It is recommended that a vitamin D level of 40 to 50ng/ml be maintained in the blood. Younger Individuals should be taking 400 IU of Vitamin from their daily dietary intake. Those above the age of 50 should be taking at least 600 IU, while those above 70 years of age should have 800 IU daily. Older adults produce 75% less active Vitamin D despite adequate sun exposure. Foods that are rich in vitamin D include salmon, sardines, fish liver oil, fortified eggs yolks and milk. These days we also have fortified cereals, breads, and orange juices.

You should consider vitamin D testing if you have any of the following: Dark skin, Osteoporosis, low calcium in your blood work, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic musculoskeletal pain or weakness, poor nutrition, malabsorption syndrome such as inflammatory bowel disease. Test at least once if you have an age greater than 50.