Below is one of many good sources for Vitamin D testing and supplementation info. I agree that the Sun is the safest and best source. But the effectiveness of the Vitamin D conversion from Sun depends upon one's location in relation to the equator as well as a bunch of other things that I'm too lazy to type about right now. lol!
I know for me, as I said above, when my levels were tested I was so deficient as to be in the category for Ricketts. My level was 10. I was already developing "diseases of Vitamin D deficiency."
I get regular testing done to monitor my levels -- especially now that I"m supplementing with it. My levels are steadily climbing.
Anyway, I think everyone should have regular Vitamin D testing done. And when supplementation is warranted, it's important to keep regular appts for continued monitoring of Vit. D levels.
There is a LOT of good and new information out there. Most of the good practitioners are aware of it and are incorporating it into their practices. One of my docs decided to test all of his patients (that were willing, that is) across the board. He found alarming numbers of deficiencies -- even if patients who were outdoor people.
Mercola is not a huge advocate of vitamin supplements, I know. But he does not refute the necessity for higher levels of Vitamin D. ANd for people with chronic illness, supplementation with Vitamin D is sometimes imperative.
Anyway, Elvis, I think you bring up a good point. If you supplement with Vitamin D -- it's a good idea to get your levels checked. But for many, correcting a deficiency state of Vitamin D requires more than just more sunshine exposure, especially when the levels are very deficient, from what I"ve learned.
http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/On the whole, we simply Are Not Getting Enough Vitamin D.
SOmedaySoon (Sharon)
P.S. Andrea, I don't know which form of Vitamin D you're taking. But be sure it's Vitamin D3 and not VItamin D2. Also, I found that taking the Vitamin D3 in liquid form to be helpful. I use Vitamin D3 from Biotics Research and they are actually drops. I just place a drop on my tongue. Doses of the drops come in 400 i.u's and also you can get 2,000 i.u.'s if your doc thinks that's necessary.
I did try another Vitamin D3 drop form by the company Xymogen. But developed bad stomach pains from the sodium benzoate they put in the formula as a preservative. The Biotics brand doesn't have any of that.
Hope this helps.
