Vitamin D deficiencies are a very modern problem. Since most of us don't spend a whole lot of time outside, we don't get exposed to the UVB rays that our body needs to generate this important vitamin. It is believed that vitamin D deficiencies may cause many serious health problems - but how are such deficiencies treated? The answer isn't simple, and can vary considerably from situation to situation.

The Trouble With Sunlight

One seemingly logical approach to treating a vitamin D deficiency would be exposing the patient to additional sunlight. In other words, a doctor could encourage a patient to get outdoors more often - or even to bask in the sun on a local beach. The trouble with this advice, of course, is that too much sun exposure presents its own serious roster of problems, including skin cancer. By applying sunscreen, we prevent our bodies from absorbing the rays that generate vitamin D - where's the compromise?

The Supplementation Of Vitamin D

Ideal levels of vitamin D in a healthy adult are approximately 40 to 70 ng/mL. Very few people achieve or maintain such levels, though, and when that deficiency becomes chronic several health issues can crop up. These days, the modern compounding pharmacy is often charged with customising various forms of prescription medication that revolve around vitamin D supplementation. Why does the compounding pharmacy have to get involved? Because the amount of vitamin D, or cholecalciferol, that is required can vary a great deal from one person to the next.

Factors Affecting Vitamin D Supplementation

Many different things can play a role in how many IUs of cholecalciferol a person will need on a per-day basis. Dosages can depend on a number of factors some of which include weight, age and the individual’s specific environment. For example, a person who spends their entire day either indoors will generally require a higher dosage in comparison to one who walks to work. Likewise, a child will need a much lower dose than a full grown adult. Those who live in less sunny locales will more than likely require higher doses than people who live in sun-kissed areas of the world will. Age matters, too: Older people generally need higher amounts of vitamin D supplementation than younger people.

Managing a Vitamin D Deficiency Efficiently

Although toxicity can occur with vitamin D supplementation, it is exceedingly rare and is not something that most people have to worry about. The first step to managing any vitamin D deficiency effectively, however, is consulting with a physician. From there, they will determine how severe your deficiency is and will figure out how many IUs of vitamin D you will require each day to bring yourself up to optimal vitamin D levels once more.