66 percent of all adults in the United States use prescription drugs. We all have family members, friends, co-workers who take medication. My dad’s on a few.

When I was visiting my dad and step-mom last year, I was surprised to see vitamin D amongst the pills in my dad’s “med pack.” I’m curious and picked up the box to see what was inside. (Hope you don’t mind, Dad)

I had no idea there were doctors prescribing vitamins within a patient’s course of pharmaceutical drugs. This made me happy. Vitamin D in my dad’s med pack means he’s more likely to take it. It doesn’t leave to chance whether or not he’ll pick vitamin D up at the store (1) and (2) remember to take a pill out of the bottle sitting by itself on the counter or in the cabinet.

I’ve talked about vitamin D previously. It’s that important.

If you’re not yet convinced, or not feeling the urgency to get your vitamin D levels tested regularly, here’s another reason to pay attention to this critical micronutrient.

Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis (MS)

Research shows that maintaining recommended vitamin D levels in the body may lower the risk of MS.

“Several studies have shown that people who get more sun exposure and vitamin D in their diets are less likely to have MS. Taking vitamin D supplements is considered an important way to modify your risk of the disease,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

MS rates have increased

“The estimated number of people with MS worldwide has increased to 2.8 million in 2020. When applying the same methodology as in 2013, the estimate is 30% higher than in 2013.”

[source]

How’re we doing?

“Adequate intake of micronutrients (vitamins and nutritionally-essential minerals) is required for nearly all metabolic, developmental, and growth processes, and for good health across the lifespan.

Despite repeated recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, many Americans have inadequate intakes of several essential nutrients. The recent 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans identified vitamins A, D, E, and C, and choline, calcium, magnesium, iron (for certain age/gender groups), potassium, and fiber as ‘underconsumed nutrients;’ of these,

vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, and fiber are under-consumed to the extent that may lead to adverse health outcomes and, as such, were designated as ‘nutrients of public health concern.’”

[source]

May 2023 test results. My doctor did not request a vitamin D test in 2024.

My D strategy?

I’m aiming for a vitamin D reading of 50 ng/ml. My last reading in 2023 was 44 ng/ml.

I take a 1,000 IU (25 mcg) supplement daily. I like Pure Encapsulations. If I don’t reach 50 ng/ml when I get my bloodwork done in 2025, I’ll increase the dosage to 2,000 IU daily.

If your doctor doesn’t tell you they’re testing your vitamin D level, you may have to request it. My doctor doesn’t include it unless I ask.

Research shows it’s nearly impossible to get enough vitamin D from the sun and diet alone. Getting enough vitamin D from the sun is limited by location, levels of air pollution, season, and skin tone.

My supplementation strategy?

Less is more.

A couple of years ago, I was at a store in my neighborhood that sells supplements. The store has since closed, but I was a regular and trusted the brands they stocked. These were brands they’d taken time to research, and brands they’d often worked with for years. The store had just one employee, in addition to the owner. I interacted with the employee on most visits. She was friendly. She always asked how she could help. On one visit, I told her I was looking for a D3 supplement. She pointed to a vitamin D + K bottle, mentioning it was a popular option.

I bought the D + K supplement that day. Since then I’ve been supplementing D without the K. Why? I’m getting plenty of K in my diet. How do I know? Cronometer. Vitamins D and K work together in the body, so I understand why such a supplement exists.

There’s no shortage of press about the macronutrients: carbs, protein, fats. Protein is sexy and sells books. Micronutrients are just as important for optimal function.

Taking action looks like getting my vitamin D checked, and talking to my family and friends about it.

Do you get your vitamin D level tested regularly? Let me know.

Additional Reading

Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review

References

Prescription drugs

I have no affiliation with Pure Encapsulations or Cronometer.

Thanks for reading!

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If you’re not getting your vitamin D checked, here’s one more reason