Optimizing Vitamin D Mini Challenge [Giveaway!]

Wellness Mama 102 Comments

Recent research has revealed that most of us are deficient in Vitamin D. Since low Vitamin D levels have been linked to higher rates of various types of cancer, this is a serious problem, yet we are still told to lather on the sunscreen and avoid the sun.

natural sun protection Optimizing Vitamin D Mini Challenge [Giveaway!]

From a previous article:

“In humans, Vitamin D is much more than just a simple vitamin that we need to hit a target RDA of. Vitamin D is a hormonal precursor and science is constantly linking deficiency of Vitamin D to increased incidence of many diseases. Ironically, while Vitamin D is readily available (at least part of the year in most parts of the world) for free if produced from sun exposure, people are surprisingly deficient in it these days.

Vitamin D3 can be obtained by adequate sun exposure or by oral supplementation, but which is better? For years and years (basically all of human history until the last few hundred years) vitamin D was obtained from the sun in varied amounts based on proximity to the equator. Obtaining Vitamin D from food wasn’t really a feasible option, since most foods didn’t have any mentionable level of Vitamin D”

Yet now, we don’d spend as much time outdoors, consume more artificially created oils that can cause skin problems and have low vitamin D levels.

Why We Need the Sun

From a past article: “Conventional wisdom says to slather on some sunscreen and call it a day, but this is problematic for a couple of reasons. Wearing any sunscreen blocks the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D, which is vital for hundreds of reactions in the body (including cancer prevention).

Most sunscreens also contain toxic chemicals that can be more dangerous than moderate sun exposure. As I mentioned in a previous post:

Despite the push for more awareness about sun exposure, and the advice to use sunscreen whenever we go outside, incidence of skin cancer, especially melanoma, is rising dramatically.

In fact, skin cancer rates are rising by 4.2% annually, despite the fact that we spend less time outdoors and wear more sunscreen.”

Vitamin D is important for:

Lowering Cancer Risk- Research is now estimating that 75% of cancers can be prevented by adequate consumption of Vitamin D.
Calcium Levels- Vitamin D controls calcium and phosphate levels in the blood and contributes to bone growth and bone strength. It is also vital for healthy teeth!
Your Immune System-Ever heard of those “t-cells” that protect your body against bacteria and disease? Vitamin D is crucial in their creation and function.
Inflammation- Lack of Vitamin D can cause inflammation in the body, then again, so can grain consumption. Have joint pain, soreness or inflammation? Cut the grains and hit the beach!

Can Food Affect Sun Tolerance?

When I switched to a real food, grain free diet I noticed my sun tolerance and natural skin tone changed. I was not only more tan/brown (rather than pinkish) hued even when I wasn’t in the sun, but I tanned really, really well. I’m Irish, so this was a shocker to me!

After some research and self experimentation, I found that certain dietary factors would directly impact my sun tolerance. For instance, if I eat out and consume something with vegetable oils, I can burn much more easily the next day, while coconut oil and fermented cod liver oil work as an internal sunscreen for me!

As I stated in a previous post, these are the things that I’ve found to help the most:

1. Eating Enough Good Fats

To make sure your body has the proper building blocks for healthy skin and to reduce inflammation, make sure to get enough healthy saturated, monounsaturated and Omega-3 fats while avoiding polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid in Omega-6 vegetable oils.

2. Getting Enough Antioxidants

If you’re avoiding grains and Omega-6 oils and eating proteins, fats and vegetables instead, you are probably great in the antioxidant department. Even real food “treats” like berries and dark chocolate, are packed with antioxidants.

Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and free radicals (which you also won’t have as much of if you’re not eating grains, sugars and omega-6 oils. Research has shown a strong protective effect of antioxidants against sunburn and skin damage.

3. Optimizing Vitamin D

This is a logical step in protecting the skin and many other parts of the body. Melanin, the dark pigment that we get when we tan, is produced to shield the skin from further UV exposure by providing a type of barrier. This is why dark skinned people need more sun that those with fair skin to get the same amount of Vitamin D. When the body has enough Vitamin D, it will start producing Melanin to keep from getting too much. There is evidence that optimizing Vitamin D levels through sun exposure and even through supplementation will help the body produce melanin faster and retain it longer.

Research has shown that taking 5,000 to 10,000 IU of Vitamin D for several months can have a sunburn preventing effect and can improve the ability to tan.

4. Getting Sun Exposure Gradually

While the sun is very beneficial because it helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, sunburn is certainly not beneficial. The easiest way to avoid sunburn naturally is to increase sun exposure gradually, while eating a healthy diet. For most people, 15-30 minutes is enough at first, though many can work up to several hours without a problem.

If your activity level requires you to be out for longer than this, wear protective clothing or find some shade!

5. Avoiding Chemicals and Using Natural Options

Since your body needs Vitamin D and there is no conclusive evidence that sunscreen protects against skin cancer, it is best to avoid using sunscreen,especially the chemical laden varieties.

If you have to be out in the sun for extended periods of time and can’t seek shade,use a natural homemade sunscreen or plain coconut oil (which supposedly has a natural SPF of about 4).

At this point, I truly wonder what a healthy diet can’t help! I was happy with the weigh loss, additional energy, clearer skin, better sleep, etc, but it even helps reduce sunburn and improve tanning!

6. Taking Some Supporting Supplements

About this time of year, I also start taking a specific regimen of supplements that help reduce inflammation and improve sun tolerance. The supplements I take are:

Vitamin D3(I take about 5,000 IU/day)- Emerging evidence shows that optimizing blood levels of Vitamin D can have a protective effect against sunburn and skin cancer. This is not necessary for those spending time in the sun and taking Fermented Cod Liver Oil.
Vitamin C(I take about 2,000 mg/day)- A potent anti0inflammatory, and it is good for the immune system too.
1/4 cup coconut oil melted in a cup of herbal tea per day- the Medium Chain Fatty Acids and saturated fat are easily utilized by the body for new skin formation and are protective against burning
Fermented Cod Liver Oil/High Vitamin Butter Oil Blend (also great for remineralizing teeth)-Probably the most important supplement for sun protection. I take double doses during the summer and the kids take it too. Since adding this and the coconut oil daily, none of us have burned. It’s also great for digestive and oral health. (Amazon finally has the capsules back in stock)
Astaxanthin- A highly potent antioxidant which research shows acts as an internal sunscreen. It’s also supposedly an anti-aging supplement. I don’t give this one to the kids though or take while pregnant.

So that’s my story… have you noticed any changes in your skin or sun tolerance from changing your diet?

The Challenge and the Prize

Getting Vitamin D is important, and there are various ways to do it. Personally, I check my Vitamin D levels regularly to keep them in the 50+ range, and this is the best way I’ve found to make sure blood levels are high enough without being too high. In fact, there are even ways to test Vitamin D levels at home with a simple finger stick now. I test mine through here.

Do you get your Vitamin D from the sun, or from supplements like Fermented Cod Liver Oil? Do you know if you are deficient or not? To help you, I’m giving away a $100 gift certificate to Tropical Traditions (which can be used to order some coconut oil which help increase sun tolerance internally and which is naturally SPF 4 externally!). Enter in the widget below and then leave a comment telling me how you get your Vitamin D! Contest runs through Sunday, July 28 at 11:59 pm CST.

Important note: This post is based on my own experience and does not constitute medical advice in any way. I am not a doctor and don’t play one on the internet, so consult with your physician if you have any questions or concerns about sun exposure. I also highly encourage you to do your own research on this and all topics! Also, while I have found personally that moderate sun exposure without burning while eating a healthy diet is very beneficial, sun exposure while eating processed or unhealthy foods may not have the same results!
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Filed Under: Ramblings

About Wellness Mama

Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Many of the links on my site, especially those from Amazon, Mountain Rose Herbs, Tropical Traditions and OraWellness are affiliate links. Should you click on these links and decide to purchase anything, I will receive a small commission and you will have my sincere thanks for supporting Wellness Mama!

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

http://twitter.com/Teakafrog Tammy Allen

I take CLO for vit D.
Empiricalbaker

I take a D3 supplement, plus I don’t use sunscreen walking around the city. I probably only get 10-15 minutes or so of sun on my mostly covered body. I am low on D (tested at 27), so I’m not worried about going over.

I do need to get back into my FCLO habit.
Cathy

I take two of the butter oil/FCLO capsules daily, as well as 8000 IU of D3 (Carlson Solar Gems) daily. The 8000 IU was on a doctor’s advice because my levels were low, but when I’ve tried to take less, the levels decrease. I get some sun, but not so regularly this time of year because of the heat.
Alexandra

I’ve increased the time I spend outside. I’m still looking for a public pool so I can get more exposure. No swimming in the chlorine, though.
Beth

We spend lots of time outside.
Jess

I take 2,000 IU of D3 a day, and I also am trying to increase my consumption of coconut oil. Also, I try to get time in the sun without sunblock as often as I can for short periods (I’m in Oregon, the sun is scarce a lot of the year).
Tgoepper

I take iu a day of D3 , walk 6-9 miles a week. I also tale 1500mg of Krill oil.
Rachel

I take a vitamin D cream in the winter, well a small amount is rubbed into skin and in the summer I am outside for at least 2 hours in the sun weather permitting. Working 9-5 every other weekday limits some time outside but we always go when my husband and I get off work. My little guy loves the beach!
JustTheFlax

I take a supplement and do not wear sunscreen, but limit my exposure to about 15 minutes a day,.
jacey

I take a daily supplement that contains 5000 IU. The biggest difference I’ve noticed since taking it is a brighter mood and affect. I’m so grateful to have this during the dreary gray winter months.
Marcie

I am taking vitamin D, but I need to up my dose and also have my levels checked. Do you give your kids the liquid Fermented Cod Liver/Butter Oil? Which flavor? I have a 10month old that I want to get started on this supplement.

I need to spend more time in the sun each day!
Melissa S

We live in AZ, so it’s not like we lack sunshine. I am going to order some the fermented cod liver oil.
Holly1414

I’ve been spending lots of time outside by the pool without sunscreen, and going to start taking a supplement. I’m loving how well I’m tanning!
Rachel A.

I already get your newsletter
Rachel A.

I spend time outside & take a supplement.
http://www.morethanmundane.com/ Krissajeldy

I try to get it from the sun, but on days that the kids and I don’t get enough sun or during the Winter months we take a supplement.
Suzanne R

I work outside all day. Coconut oil on my skin and in my mouth and fish oil everyday. Despite 8-10 hours a day in the sun since April, no sunburns yet.
Jaimepom

Great post! I currently take cod liver oil but have not yet bought a high quality coconut oil. Hope to get some soon.
Los6carters

Thank you for a great post! I recently started taking FCLO/butter oil caps and get out in the sun for few minutes through out the day. I have made my own body butter with coconut oil, Shea butter, almond and jojoba oils.
http://www.facebook.com/venuslemoos3 Venus Kalami

i’ve been fortunate to have skin that really likes the sun. i tan really easily and only burn if i’m direct sun for wayyyy too long. i eat lots of veggies, healthy proteins and fats and i also take fermented cod liver oil/royal butter blend. i also avoid eating starchy foods as much as i can. oh! and i’m also signed up for your email!
Dee

I take a supplement.
CanDoGirl

I do take a D supplement & am beginning to plant a garden, so more sun exposure is on the way!
Leah Bebout

I spend time outside when I get home from work….in the garden or on a good walk!
Erin m.

D3 supplements and daily beach time in the summer.
Mosyf

I take Vit. D3, but I would love to FCLO. It is always paired with Butter? I cannot have Dairy? any advice??
Katelindsey

I spend time outside every day
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I give my kids the FCLO/Butter oil either unflavored or chocolate and sometimes mix it with a little honey or maple syrup to get it down. I do also sometimes bribe them with a dark chocolate chip to just drink it…
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

There is a plan FCLO with no butter and you could just take at around the same time with coconut oil to get the boost of good fats with the fat soluble vitamins. It is actually cheaper too…
Stacie P

Plain ‘Ol sunshine. I take coconut oil and also apply liberally, and usually do not burn despite Irish heritage. I am dying go try the FCLO but unfortunately is too expensive right now for me.
Trish

I take a vitamin D3 supplement, and try to get outside for at least 15 minutes a day, in the early morning or evening, sans sunscreen.
Laurelanne

I’ve been slowing exposing myself and the kids to sunlight without sunscreen. We also take a daily vitamin d supplement. I think we need to try fermented cod liver oil!
Freecycler26

I supplement and get time outside in the sun daily.
Vickyback14

I get plenty from the sun! I’m in a place where we say “The sun always shines!” … Which at the moment is a bad thing because we have fire restriction warnings everywhere due to no rain lol.
Melissa Shirley

I live in Alaska, and I have a friend who says it’s nearly impossible to get enough vitamin D through sun exposure here, but I still try to garden and do yoga in the nude whenever we do get sunshine. I supplement with 2000 I.U.s every morning too….as sunshine can at times be less than a weekly occurrence.
Pat

I take vitamin d gelcaps and try to sit in the sun a little each day.
Ansheehan

I spend about 4 hours a day outside, as a minimum. I don’t use any sunscreen. I love the sun!
PatziB

I take supplements. Go for a short period of time without sunscreen on the arms. Face has to have always sunscreen though
tmariel

We try to spend a lot of time outdoors, but I really want to get my family on fermented cod liver oil & butter blend. I’m trying to figure out how to fit it in our budget (we have 9 children, so it would add up quickly!)
http://www.facebook.com/leslieann23 Leslie Ann Penfold

Just this month I started supplementing with coconut oil, but I’m ordering my CLO RIGHT NOW! Thanks for the great info!
AMya

Never had my D levels tested, but I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I live in TX with pretty much year-round sun, so I think I get a lot of natural vitamin D production.

I’m about to order some fermented CLO as I’ve been interested in trying that for months.

Also wanted to note that I don’t get sunburned as easily as I did prior to eating paleo. And when I do happen to get burned, it goes away much faster than it used to.
andi

I live pretty far north, in an infamously cloudy/rainy area… so I definitely need to supplement. I take FCLO, as well as liquid vitamin D. Tested previously as fairly deficient, and was prescribed 10k IU per day! Shooting for 5k daily now — but I’m also pregnant so gotta get extra.
Rujizmejian

I take FCLO and get plenty of sunshine every afternoon I can!
ThePistachioProject

I take Carlson vitamin d drops
http://8littlearrows.wordpress.com/ Colleen

I take 5000 IU vitamin D3 daily as well as the FCLO/Butter oil blend, use lots of coconut oil internally and externally, and don’t wear sunscreen unless I’ll be out for hours. I’m signed up for your newsletter, a fan on facebook, and will share on my facebook page.
Gabrielehawthorne

Which of those supplements do you give to your kids my twins are 7 years old. I try to give them lots of veggies but they are more fruit eaters.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Fermented Cod Liver Oil and probiotics are the main two I try to get in everyday…
Gabrielehawthorne

Thank you I will try to start them on those 2.
Crystal

I try to get out in the sun, but I’m sure I’m deficient so I’ve been looking into taking a supplement.
http://corvidarium.blogspot.com/ wendy

I eat FCLO/butter oil every day, and take D3 supplements… also make sure to spend some time out in the sun as often as possible (though unfortunately we’ve had a very cold rainy summer so far!). So far, no burns, just a lovely golden colour
Angy

I am already signed up for the newsletter and receive your feeds in my FB timeline as well.

On most sunny days I lay out on my terrace balcony in bra and panty so that I can maximize my sun exposure. I do 15-20 minutes per side. I am a fair-skinned red head and find that this works great without burning me. I had a nice little tan last year and hope to get the same this year. I live in Germany and the weather can go back and forth between cloudy and sunny. So if I see the chance to get a bit of sun I jump on it!
Angy

Forgot to add that I add coconut oil to my coffee in the morning, do my best to eat clean and I use coconut oil as my main moisturizer.
Dbarrett

We have rarely used sunscreen because we have some Asian in us; so we are lucky to mostly tan with only the occasional burn. Through the years, I have felt guilty for not slathering on the sunscreen on my kids and myself; so it is nice to have confirmation that we were doing the right thing by avoiding the sunscreen and enjoying the sunshine
Jenthomas28

I’ve been taking Astaxanthin and it has been quite miraculous, I honestly notice a difference in my fine lines (I had very few to begin with though), my freckles completely disappeared and my face was COVERED in freckles! I know this is diet related too but I HIGHLY recommend Astaxanthin for any skin issues or hyper-pigmentation. I have a c-section scar that is brown from hyer-pigmentation and it has faded in one year of Astaxanthin more then in the whole 9 years.
Jmm2858

We spend alot of time outside working in our garden or fishing on our boat.
Jennymoonstar

I get a lot of sun exposure and I am about to order the cod oil.
Sara

In the summer, I get it naturally. In the winter, I take 4,000 IU’s.
kheafer

This year I have decided to take time for myself and sunbathe to increase my vit D and just have some time away for myself. (I have 3 children) I was amazed at the difference in my tan. I actually have one. Earlier in the year we made the switch to organic produce, cooking with coconut oil, grass-fed beef and no processed foods. I recently went to the pool with my children expecting to be there for maybe 1 hour and we ended up being there for 2.5. I did not burn at all and was in the water most of the time. I am also Irish with some Scottish so very fair skinned!
http://www.loveandbacon.com loveandbacon

I take a supplement (5000 iu). I work a 9-5 indoors desk job and try to get outside, but some days I just can’t. :-/
RJ

I have also noticed since going grain-free that I no longer burn, but tan! I take Vitamin D pills and spend time outside
Debsellers

We get it from the sun!
Erin

Right now I have no sun routine besides the stand by of toxic sunscreen. I’m very fair skinned and didn’t realize that I had another option. I’m very excited to work on a natural solution!
Erinbrouss

We have always used sunscreen sporadically and my boys have never burned.
Jessica West

I’ve been working hard to get out in the sun every day – a little bit difficult with the weather we’ve been having in the pacific nw lately. I haven’t used sunscreen all summer, and I take vitamin D (5000 IU) when I don’t get sun, if I can remember to. I also take fermented cod liver oil, again when I remember it.
Rhiannon Miller

I live in Scotland, where there isn’t much sun. I take a 5000IU supplement of Vitamin D daily. I also try to take a walk outside at lunchtime to take advantage of what sun there is. I roll my shirtsleeves right up to my shoulders.
molly

Thank you so much! This is on Amazon? I can give this to my children, too, correct? Preschool/kindergarten age..
Dana

I am on your e-mail list.

Right now we get vit D from the sun mostly. I don’t think we get enough though and I thinking about starting the Fermented Cod Liver Oil for a lot of different reasons. Just working up to it as I am worried about the taste/aftertaste.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I give it to all of mine, even nursing babies starting at 4 months..
Audrey

I had my Vitamin D levels recently tested for the first time. I take Vitamine D supplements, astaxanthin, eat a paleo diet with lots of coconut oil. I’m also going to get the fermented cod liver oil, Thanks!
Danielle O.

I work in the office for 9 hours, but I get outside for 15-20 minutes during my lunch break every day. Not only does it help with the vitamin D, it’s also therapudic just to get outside!
Lauren

I let the sun get on my arms during my midday walk (with no sunscreen on), take fermented cod liver/high vitamin butter oil, and almost always cook with coconut oil. I got my level tested a few months ago and I was low, hence the removal of sunscreen. It would be good to retest to see where I am now.
Stephanie

Have changed my diet to include more real foods and healthy fats and have been spending more time outside. Thanks!
Jessica Kessel

I’m on your email list!
Jessica Kessel

I probably get enough Vitamin D during the spring- fall months because I am outside with my kids or in my garden ALOT. However, I think I will start taking vitamin D this winter and see if I can tell a difference. I am also considering starting the Fermented Cod Liver Oil soon, just hedging bec of the cost involved- yikes!
Sarah L

I take fermented CLO especially in the winter months and try to get outside in the sun. It has been so hot lately that that has been harder to do but I’m trying!
Rachelle Edwards

I take FCLO and spend plenty of time outside in the hot, Texas sun. :-)
Amber

I take 4000 IUs of liquid D3 daily. I also spend a little time outside gardening but not daily. It’s been so hot this summer, and I have a new baby at home so haven’t gotten as much sun as usual. As for your post, I agree with much of it. However, couldn’t the breakdown of our ozone layer (due to global warming) contribute to the increase in melanoma. The intensity of sun that we’re exposed to now is more significant than 50 years ago.
Brooke_redfern

I take a supplements which includes vitamin D and I also spend a lot of time outdoors
http://www.facebook.com/michelle.r.hayden.7 Michelle Rinker Hayden

I use CLO and try to play with my dog for at least 15 minutes a day when possible.
Sscornette

I am taking my kids to the pool tomorrow to soak up some sun! From them on, I plan to be outside every day! In the winter months, I take fish oil fortified with vit. d.
Pegobrien61

I’ve definitely noticed a change in sun tolerance since I went primal. Not even a sniff of a sunburn this year despite much gardening and fishing. And all the dark spots from previous years’ of damage are fading away.
Lm

I try to walk outside most days and don’t wear sunscreen, just a hat. I get a good amount of sun exposure on my arms and legs.
Jenn

Signed up for your email list!
Jenn

We live in sunny San Diego so we’re outside every day getting our vitamin D. I also take a supplement to increase my levels and just ordered some FCLO to try!
Emily

I don’t get much sun during the week, but I spend every weekend on the lake!
Guest

I get my vit D from the sun and from a calcium + D supplement.
Angela White

I was told by my neurologist that I am deficient in vitamin D, and he recommended that I take 4,000 IUs daily, empirically, as it is something that many with autoimmune diseases like MS lack. I do this, but I also spend a good deal of time in the sun lately, as I’ve begun to have less heat sensitivity than I have had in previous years.

I also love fish, and make it a regular part of my nutritional profile, and it’s so yummy, too!
Tonja Field

Sun and Fermented Cod Liver Oil/Butter Oil Blend!
Amber

I take 5000 IUs of Vitamin D3 every day that I don’t get out in the sun. If i am taking my kids to the pool after work, I skip the Vit D supplement (and the sunscreen) and get some wonderful late-day sun exposure. Since starting this regimen, I have managed to avoid sunburn entirely, even after 3 straight days in beating sun on a lake! The regular coconut oil intake in my diet surely helps too.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1600570577 Deidrean Sanders Barrett

I started a 5,ooo IU daily dose of vitamin D3 almost five years ago. I tested incredibly low with my vitamin d levels and I haven’t been without it in my supplements. The one thing I noticed after I upped my vitamin D3 was it completely cleared up my skin.
Napua

I live in Hawaii so plenty of vitamin D here. I also swim 2-3 times a week.
Mclanek

I love being outdoors. One way is to keep up with my garden – weeding and harvesting seems like just the right amount of time daily.
Lacigrl

I eat healthy, take a vitamin d supplement, and spend a little time out by the pool each day.
Lauren

I get my Vitamin D from the sun!! Would love to try eating more coconut oil too.
Janet

I take 4000 IU of D3 per my doctor’s advice and I spend shorter but more frequent amounts of time in the sun (without sunscreen) in order to get the benefit of the sun without prolonged exposure to the damaging rays.
Rachel martin

I have stopped using sunscreen (this is my first summer and so far so good). I take FCLO off and on as I work on building up my stash of supplements I budget for this when I can. I had my levels checked at my last annual w/my midwife and she said they were within normal range but I thought she said my levels were around 34. Is higher better?
Naomi

I get my Vitamin D by taking walks around the neighborhood with my girls and working in the garden.
http://www.facebook.com/HilaryBarnett Hilary Barnett

I spend as much time outside as possible, although with the recent heat waves and a 6-month old baby it’s been difficult! I also take Nature’s Sunshine Vitamin D3 tablets, one 4,000 IU per day.
http://www.facebook.com/HilaryBarnett Hilary Barnett

I
spend as much time outside as possible, although with the recent heat
waves and a 6-month old baby it’s been difficult! I also take Nature’s
Sunshine Vitamin D3 tablets, one 4,000 IU per day.
Spider

Supplement with Vitamin D3 and spend time daily outside sans sunscreen.
disfordelicate

I take a twenty to thirty minute walk every afternoon, but I am planning on adding FCLO once school starts and I am getting paychecks regularly again
dawngrimes

I plan to start getting a little of unprotected sun exposure each day.
Charmaine Marie

I was feeling extremely down in March and had my 25(OH)D levels tested and they were 15! I was vegan for 10 years and about 11 months post partum and nursing on demand. I took my vegan multi-vitamin and 2000 IU vegan D2 and whatever was fortified added to that number… my body wasn’t synthesizing the D2 well at all. So I’ve since transitioned to vegetarianism and have noticed an improvement. Were taking a D3 supplement and have noticed a huge difference!

Optimizing Vitamin D Mini Challenge [Giveaway!]

Why We Need the Sun