The Vitamin D Deception: Why You Need 10,000 IUs Daily to Thrive (Not Just Stop Rickets)

A significantly higher daily maintenance dose of Vitamin D3—around 10,000 IU—is recommended, as standard guidelines of 600 IU were primarily designed to prevent rickets and maintain bone health, which is far from sufficient for overall wellness. Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating 10% of all genes, yet over 90% of people are deficient. Modern lifestyles, indoor living, northern latitudes, sunscreen use, and factors like age, body weight, genetics, and exposure to plastics can all impair Vitamin D absorption. Low Vitamin D levels are linked to numerous health issues, including depression, high blood pressure, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. For certain therapeutic purposes, much higher doses may be needed, ideally combined with magnesium supplementation to maximize effectiveness.