Vitamin D
Body function
Calcium absorption; immune modulation; mood regulation; musculoskeletal health
Daily requirement
600–800 IU/day; many experts recommend 1000–2000 IU especially in low-sun climates
Deficiency signs
Fatigue, low mood, bone pain, frequent infections, muscle weakness
Excess risks
Hypercalcaemia at very high supplemental doses (>4000 IU/day long-term without testing)
At-risk groups
People with limited sun exposure, darker skin tones, older adults, office workers
Supplement forms
D3 (cholecalciferol) preferred over D2; softgels, drops, tablets
Food sources
- Salmon (grilled) — ~570 IU (14 mcg) vitamin D per 100g grilled fillet
- Eggs (whole, boiled) — ~41 IU (1 mcg) vitamin D per egg, mostly in the yolk
- Fortified oat milk — ~100 IU (2.5 mcg) vitamin D per cup, fortified
Related symptoms
Educational information only — not medical advice. This content does not diagnose, treat, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek professional medical advice for symptoms, supplement use, or health concerns.