Vitamin D3 (from the herbal411 library post)

It was a toss up betwen omega 3 fish oil and Vitamin D3. Because of some of the chronic pain flare ups I have seen in the clinic over the last few weeks, Vitamin D won. Well documented is the lack of ultraviolet stimulation to human skin to any state north of Georgia. Due to the angle the sun's rays hit during winter months, the amount of sun rays that get through is low. It takes 20-30 minutes during summer months from 10-2pm to create up to 10,000IU. That would be about 50 glasses of milk or 20 standard vitamins daily! I suggest taking a blood test first for 25 hydroxvitamin D, supplementing 5000IU daily and retesting in 3 months. With critically low levels less than 10, 50,000IU IV to load then 5000 daily. I frequently use 4000 daily of D3 in my "influenza cocktail" while working the ER. (astragalus, elderberry, mushroom extract throat spray and D3 twice a day for 3-4 days post exposure). There are very limited sources of data that show toxicity with vitamin d, and multiple new sources of literature with benefits of supplements. Many patients have felt improvement with supplementation in 4 weeks. Once levels are restored with pills, food and sunshine should be utlized to maintain a healthy state. Cod Liver Oil, Sockeye Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, Milk, Egg, Dairy Fortified, Mackerel, Yogurt, OJ are a few to consider. Use food as medicine!