iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll mmthsl mbThkThhpsD in the summertime. Those living in northern climates are especially at
risk for vitamin D deficiency in the colder months.
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most under-recognized deficiencies in
our society. An estimated 85 percent of Americans may be deficient, and
a study in Turkey found 92 percent of Hashimoto’s patients were deficient
in vitamin D.
Studies are now suggesting much higher doses of vitamin D than the cur-
rent RDA of 400 IU should be taken.
Testing for Vitamin D Deficiency
If you live in a northern climate and don’t spend time outside on a daily
basis, you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D levels should be between 60 and 80 ng/L for optimal thy-
roid receptor and immune system function. Vitamin D levels should be
checked at regular intervals, especially in the winter seasons. There are
two available tests: 1,25 (OH)D and 25(OH)D. The test 25(OH)D—
also called 25-hydroxyl vitamin D—is preferred.
Sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, fish, fortified dairy and orange
juice, eggs, and, most importantly, sunlight. As mentioned above, the
farther we get from the equator, the higher our likelihood of developing
an autoimmune condition.
We may be tempted to eat more foods with vitamin D in an effort to
support our bodies with nutrition, however, the amount of vitamin D in
foods may not be sufficient for everyone.
People with Graves’ disease, another autoimmune thyroid condition, have
been found to have altered binding of vitamin D, while abnormalities in
vitamin D receptor genes have been found in many other autoimmune con-
ditions. These individuals have trouble converting supplemental vitamin D
to its active form. Additionally, EBV and other pathogens can hijack the
vitamin D receptor, rendering vitamin D supplements useless.
Your Prescription? A Beach Vacation!
The best ways to restore optimal vitamin D level are through sun expo-
sure, safe tanning beds, and an oral vitamin D3 supplement. The richest
sources of vitamin D from food come from wild salmon (800 IU/3.5 oz.
of D3) and cod liver oil (700 IU per teaspoon).