[Tanya Marquette]

I do try to measure my Vit D levels 2x/yr–end of winter and end of summer. I take 10K ius daily year round and try to keep my levels above 50. However, my body does not seem to absorb Vit D easily and would love to know why it needs such a high supplement dose to maintain this level. I get a liposomal Vit D from Mercola which I think is a good quality product unless I hear anything different. Perhaps someone here has some info on what might cause this issue. I have seen others with very low levels (<20) raise it to 40 or 50 within a month with a 5000 IU/day intake.

[IMA-HelenT]

We do have some really good resources on the IMA website …here is a link to start https://imahealth.org/vitamin-d-natures-sunkissed-superhero/

And, this weeks webinar was all about are supplement reaching your cells? Dr. Ryan Cole hosts Dr. Kristina Carman as she traces six steps from capsule to cell to show how dose, form, and timing decide what actually gets absorbed by your body. Watch here https://imahealth.org/from-a-to-zinc-part-2-beyond-the-basics/

[bharat nagwani]

You may have VDR gene mutation. I do have it and my levels never go above 40 even with supplementation and plenty of sun. The important thing is to get enough sunlight and not worry too much about the number.

[IMA-HelenT]

👍

[Art Gobbie]

I have testing done 2x/yr trying to maintain 60-90 in bloodstream, I have to take 15k iu and my level is at 72 currently, it is my understanding that some people just do not process it well. It is important to take with some type of fat either during a meal or even with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

[Elizabeth Shelby]

I would love to know what my vitamin D levels are but here in the UK trying to find a doctor that will do the test is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. They can run them to tell you, you need a statin but not for a vitamin anything level.

[IMA-HelenT]

Hi @elizs I believe that Boots do have DIY Rapid at home test kits, may be worth a try?

[Tanya Marquette]

It is the same here in NY where they only want to proscribe or allow pay for the tests if there is a particular medical problem. I find I have to be a big insistent and try to present a particular concern of mine; ie, cancer or covid or whatever I can think of.

[Elizabeth Shelby]

Thank you Helen I have seen those but have decided against based on the reviews.

[IMA-HelenT]

No problem, I had read that it is good enough to measure your levels, but not for interpretation of the data. But my research is not indepth at all. 😉

[marshakar56]

Having had Uterine serous cancer with p53 genetic mutation in 2025…and my stomach stapled in 2001..I regularly get my D3 levels checked 2x yearly and I know that the brand matters. I use D3+K2 brand from Dr. Berg. My levels went from 72 to 124 taking 10000IU…the exact same amount of other brands that never got my levels up to at least 100 to boost my immune system against the cancer. I will always try to use Dr. Berg’s D3+K2 and Tumeric/Curcumin with Bioperidine. I also take 38mg Ivermectin daily with some other herbs that have been shown to affect cancer cells from being able to multiply. Eating fat with the D3 and all fat soluable vitamins is extremely important for maximum absorption. Good luck everyone!

[IMA-HelenT]

Thank you @marshakar56 appreciate you sharing your experience, especially as a cancer sufferer, your health takes centre stage and the supplements become a life saver rather than a “nice to take”.

[eagle_ag]

I have read, and if I recall correctly Dr Berg recommends taking Magnesium along with D and K for better uptake. Something to check