The cancer-vitamin D link does not ring a bell for me.

You’re right to imply that some fish are a good source of vitamin D. The “Nutrient Search Tool” at NutritionData can provide the list. The supplement is just an “insurance policy” and is certainly optional in individuals eating the right fish.

You’re right again that the body can store vitamin D since it’s a fat-soluble vitamin. But people living in the northern latitudes in the U.S. definitely have a dip in vitamin D levels in the dead of winter, months after sun exposure peaked.

One of many ways to avoid taking a vitamin D supplement would be to have a blood level checked (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and see where you stand. Expert nutrition panels are likely to revise the lower limit of normal UPWARDS in the next few years.

-Steve

It’s got me a little undecided about whether or not to take Vitamin D supplement.

(b)
Surprised to learn that fish consumption doesn’t really help your vit D intake?

Thirdly,
(c) Is it true that your body stores vit D for up to 6 months? If so – wouldn’t a good exposure in summer lead to year-round health?

Seems like a complex issue…..

Steve

The current FDA recommendation in terms of Daily Value is 400 IU for people on a 2000 calorie diet.

2000 IU daily may prove over time to be the better dose, in general. The Institute of Medicine will be expending a lot of brainpower on this issue.

-Steve

-Steve

Here’s a pertinent blog post of hers:
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/ndblog/2008/05/vitamin-d-now-i.html

For the last five years I’ve read multiple reports about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the benefits linked to higher blood levels. Rather than calculate my daily sun exposure and latitude, I decided it’s easier to just take a supplement. Nevertheless, if I’m out in the sun a lot in summer in Arizona, I may skip my supplement.

-Steve

Do you take into account locale or time of year?