The recommended daily amount of vitamin D varies by age:
- Infants up to 12 months: 400 IU (10 micrograms) per day
- Children 1 to 70 years: 600 IU (15 micrograms) per day
- Adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 micrograms) per day
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 600 IU (15 micrograms) per day
These recommendations are supported by sources such as the Mayo Clinic, NIH, and NHS
. Some experts and organizations, like the Endocrine Society, suggest that adults may benefit from higher doses, up to 1,500 to 2,000 IU daily, which is generally considered safe and may help achieve adequate blood vitamin D levels
. The safe upper limit for daily vitamin D intake is generally considered to be 4,000 IU; exceeding this without medical supervision could be harmful
. Vitamin D needs can vary based on factors like age, skin color, sun exposure, and health conditions, so consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and possible blood level testing is recommended
. In summary, for most people, 600 to 800 IU per day is adequate, with adjustments made as needed based on individual circumstances and medical advice.
