Vitamin D is unusual among nutrients: your body can make it from sunlight, which is exactly why so many people fall short of it — most of us simply don't get the sun exposure that would've made supplementation unnecessary a century ago.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team
Quick answer: Why do so many people fall short on vitamin D?
Indoor jobs, sunscreen, northern latitudes, and darker skin tones (which need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of D) all reduce how much vitamin D your body makes on its own — making it one of the most commonly discussed nutrient gaps.
In this article
Why deficiency is so common
Indoor jobs, sunscreen (used correctly, as it should be), northern latitudes, and darker skin tones (which need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of D) all reduce how much vitamin D your body makes on its own. It's one of the most commonly discussed nutrient gaps for exactly these reasons.
What vitamin D actually supports
Vitamin D plays a role in calcium absorption (which is why it's often paired with calcium and K2 in bone-support formulas) and is commonly associated with immune health as well.*
2,000 IU vs. 5,000 IU — which one?
2,000 IU is a common everyday maintenance dose for people without a known significant deficiency. 5,000 IU is a higher-dose option some people use if they know their levels run low — a blood test from your doctor is really the only way to know for sure which end of that range fits you.
Our option
Our Vitamin D3 2,000 IU Gummies cover everyday maintenance. If you and your doctor have discussed a higher dose, our 5,000 IU formula is the stronger option.
Explore Vita Globe Vitamin DFAQ
How do I know if I need the higher 5,000 IU dose?
A blood test from your doctor is the reliable way to know — 2,000 IU is a reasonable everyday starting point without one.
Why can't I just get enough vitamin D from the sun?
Indoor lifestyles, sunscreen use, latitude, and skin tone all reduce how much vitamin D your body actually produces from sun exposure, which is why supplementation has become so common.
Sources
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and writes about supplement ingredients using government health data and peer-reviewed research.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.