Normal Vitamin D Levels By Age Ng/Ml
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for our body, as it helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for the growth and maintenance of our bones. It also plays a crucial role in our immune system, muscular function, and cardiovascular health. However, many people are deficient in this nutrient, which can lead to various health problems such as osteoporosis, rickets, and depression.
What Are Normal Vitamin D Levels?
The normal range of vitamin D levels in our blood is measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). According to the Endocrine Society, the recommended level of vitamin D in the blood for overall health is 30 ng/mL or higher.
However, the optimal level of vitamin D may vary according to age, gender, and health condition. For example, older adults may need higher levels of vitamin D to maintain their bone health, while people with certain medical conditions may require more vitamin D for their immune system.
Vitamin D Levels By Age
Here are the normal vitamin D levels by age:
Infants and Young Children
Infants who are breastfed may require a vitamin D supplement, as breast milk may not provide enough vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants receive 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day. For children between the ages of 1 and 18, the recommended daily intake is 600-1000 IU.
Adults
For adults, the normal range of vitamin D levels is 30-100 ng/mL. However, some experts suggest that the optimal level of vitamin D may be higher, around 40-60 ng/mL, to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women may require more vitamin D to support their baby's bone development. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women receive 600-800 IU of vitamin D per day.
Older Adults
As we age, our skin becomes less efficient in producing vitamin D from sunlight, and our kidneys may also become less efficient in converting vitamin D into its active form. Therefore, older adults may need higher levels of vitamin D to maintain their bone health. The recommended level of vitamin D for people over 70 is 800-1000 IU per day.
How to Get Enough Vitamin D?
The best way to get vitamin D is through sunlight exposure, as our skin can produce vitamin D when exposed to UVB rays. However, too much sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, so it's important to balance sun exposure with sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
We can also get vitamin D from food sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. However, it may be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, especially for people with certain dietary restrictions or medical conditions.
If you're concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a blood test to check your levels. They may also recommend a vitamin D supplement if you're deficient or at risk of deficiency.
Conclusion
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for our overall health, and it's crucial to maintain normal levels of vitamin D in our blood. By understanding the normal range of vitamin D levels by age, we can take steps to ensure that we're getting enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure, food sources, and supplements if necessary.