# Vitamin D? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 16, 2019, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869 "2019-10-16T21:11:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/1 "2019-10-16T21:11:06Z")
I moved from the Gulf Coast Texas to my new habitat here in middle Michigan. Many cloudy days without direct sunshine. Kind of depressing in its own way so to speak. My neighbor says she relies on vitamin D supplements and swear they make a difference. I would rather control all that by diet, but do not know where to begin. I’ve looked at some “studies” but it is mostly click-bait. Anyone here have real-life experience with this? ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/2 "2019-10-16T21:21:50Z")
Check with your doctor. Many people in northern climates can develop vitamin D deficiency, but not everyone does. Sunlight is generally the best source, but you can also get much via diet. > **[How to Get Vitamin D: 7 Effective Ways](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-vitamin-d)** > > Vitamin D is needed to build strong bones, but many people don't get enough of this essential nutrient. Here are 7 effective ways to increase your vitamin D levels. At one point my Dr put me on Vitamin D supplements, and it raised my levels, but honestly I didn’t notice any difference. I’ve lived near Boston or north of it all my life. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/3 "2019-10-16T21:29:43Z")
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - [Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651) ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/4 "2019-10-16T21:42:58Z")
I can’t speak to improvements in my life, but I had blood tests, my doctor said I was vitamin D deficient and I now take a vitamin D pill every morning. My levels are now ‘normal’. I can’t say I’ve noticed any difference in my life, but better safe than sorry. Vitamin D is cheap. I probably got a year’s worth for about $5. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/5 "2019-10-16T21:43:28Z")
Get a Happy Light. ---
**Author:** ![mjmlabs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mjmlabs/32/69_2.png) [@mjmlabs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mjmlabs)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/6 "2019-10-16T22:32:51Z")
Here in New England, my doctor tells me that about 2/3 of the adults he sees are Vit-D deficient to a degree that supplements are worth it. (He’s got no financial incentive, FWIW.) I seem to be okay for now but my sister 10 miles away has been prescribed Vit-D supplements. Diet is surely a better way to resolve that, but the pills make for a cheap and useful insurance policy. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/7 "2019-10-16T22:44:43Z")
As always I look to [the NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/) for unbiased advice: > [@](#): > > But since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. > > Between late March/early April to the end of September, most people can get all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet. > > You may choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months. > [@](#): > > Don’t take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/8 "2019-10-16T22:47:41Z")
> [@bob++](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > Don’t take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years. Why didn’t they just say, “This applies to anyone over age 10.” ? ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2019, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/9 "2019-10-16T22:48:08Z")
**Moderator Action** > [@Cabin\_Fever](#): > > Anyone here have real-life experience with this? Since this is seeking personal experiences, let’s move this to IMHO (from GQ). Any factual information is of course still welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/10 "2019-10-17T01:31:15Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > **Moderator Action** > > Since this is seeking personal experiences, let’s move this to IMHO (from GQ). > > Any factual information is of course still welcome. Thanks ECG, but folks here in GQ have given some helpful answers to my query. Much appreciated, and have steered me in directions I had not thought of. I was most concerned about diet versus supplements to be more clear on my OP. I would welcome personal opinions and thank you for moderating. IMHO may be a better fit for my quest. New territory for me. ---
**Author:** ![Isamu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7c8e57/32.png) [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/11 "2019-10-17T01:39:26Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Why didn’t they just say, “This applies to anyone over age 10.” ? It doesn’t apply to people 17-18?? ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/12 "2019-10-17T01:42:49Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - [Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651) Thanks. I have been told that. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/13 "2019-10-17T01:46:18Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Get a Happy Light. My Happy Light battery is dead. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/14 "2019-10-17T01:49:57Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > It doesn’t apply to people 17-18?? It specifically included 17 year olds in the phrase 11-17. 18 year olds are included as adults. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/15 "2019-10-17T07:52:02Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > As always I look to [the NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/) for unbiased advice: Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/16 "2019-10-17T07:52:28Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > At one point my Dr put me on Vitamin D supplements, and it raised my levels, but honestly I didn’t notice any difference. Exact same situation for me as well. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/17 "2019-10-17T08:03:06Z")
> [@OldGuy](#): > > It specifically included 17 year olds in the phrase 11-17. 18 year olds are included as adults. Err…um…since it was my birthday yesterday and me turning 60something_grumblegrumble_ most 18 year old’s are not adults yet. With minor exceptions ok, ok. I will see myself out. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/18 "2019-10-17T08:10:42Z")
I know store-bought milk has been fortified with Vitamin D. Are there any natural sources of it without resorting to supplements? My google-fu brings up a bunch of woo IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![steatopygia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steatopygia/32/3132_2.png) [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/19 "2019-10-17T08:22:54Z")
Up here in the beautiful Inland Empire, we don’t get much sun in the winter. Many docs will prescribe Vit D supplements, especially to women. [Here is a list](https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/calcium-vitamin-d-foods)of foods high in Calcium and foods high in Vit D. As you may know calcium needs Vit D to be effectively absorbed. There aren’t a whole lot of foods with high levels of D, hence the use of supplements. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2019, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869/20 "2019-10-17T08:32:32Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Check with your doctor. Many people in northern climates can develop vitamin D deficiency, but not everyone does. Sunlight is generally the best source, but you can also get much via diet. > > [How to Get Vitamin D: 7 Effective Ways](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-vitamin-d) > > At one point my Dr put me on Vitamin D supplements, and it raised my levels, but honestly I didn’t notice any difference. I’ve lived near Boston or north of it all my life. Your link was very helpful. Thank you. You would think fish would be inexpensive here, with me being less than 1km away from Lake Michigan. Sadly none of the items listed are native here. I long for the Gulf Coast where fresh oysters and shrimp are available. RE: Free range eggs prices, if one can find them here, are astronomical. Mushrooms the same. I guess I should just suck it up and take the (blue/red) pills. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-d/841869.md?page=2)