Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern.

“If this one thing, vitamin D deficiency, could be corrected in the Black population, [many] of the health disparities they are currently experiencing could be largely alleviated.”

 —Bruce W Hollis, PhD
Medical University of South Carolina

 

AN EPIDEMIC

82% of Black Americans are Deficient in
Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that the body makes after exposure to the sun. It’s critical for our health and wellness. But due to the natural sunblock of darker skin most Black Americans are deficient in vitamin D and are more likely than others to experience health consequences as a result. Nordic Naturals is working to help eliminate vitamin D deficiency in the United States.

 

YOUR HEALTH

Every part of you needs vitamin D.

  • Immune System - Response to Bacteria & Viruses

  • Brain - Memory & Mood

  • Liver - Detoxification

  • Lungs & Heart - Respiration & Circulation

  • Kidney Function - Blood Sugar Balance

  • Reproductive Organs - Pregnancy & Fetal Development

VITAMIN D SOURCES

Sun, Food & Supplements

Sun: Our skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D. But thanks to melanin—a natural sunblock—people with darker skin need a longer time in the sun to get the vitamin D they need. At least 1-2 hours in the sun every day, wearing just a bathing suit! That’s hard to do for most Americans, who spend about 90% of their time inside. 

Food: Some foods contain vitamin D, but not nearly enough to meet your body’s daily needs. You’d need to eat 75 egg yolks, or 6 cans of tuna, every day to get enough vitamin D.

Supplements: The most reliable way to meet your daily vitamin D needs is through supplementation. When choosing a vitamin D product, look for one that contains D3—the form our bodies make from sunlight, and which is also the most easily absorbed. Also, be sure you take enough.

 
 

DAILY INTAKE

How much vitamin D is enough?

Since 82% of Black Americans are deficient, amounts beyond the FDA’s recommended daily intake (RDI) are often needed. Clinical guidelines advise supplementing with 1,500–2,000 IU (37.5–50 mcg) of vitamin D each day, with an upper limit for adults of 10,000 IU (250 mcg). If you have concerns, consult your physician before taking any supplement.

Endocrine Society’s Daily Vitamin D Allowance for People at Risk of Deficiency

Infants (< 1 year)                   
400–1000 IU (10–25 mcg)

Children (1-18 years)             
600–1000 IU (15–25 mcg)

Adults (19+ years)                  
1500–2000 IU (38–50 mcg)

Pregnancy & Lactation*        
1500–2000 IU (38–50 mcg)

Table is modified from Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

*4000–6000 IU/day is mother's required intake if infant is not receiving 400 IU/day

VITAMIN D3

Supplements
are a solution.

A top-quality vitamin D3 supplement is by far the most reliable way to ensure that Black Americans get the daily vitamin D they need to stay healthy and avoid deficiency. Nordic Naturals vitamin D3 products surpass the Food and Drug Administration’s recommended daily intake (RDI) and come in a variety of potencies to meet individual health needs and dietary preferences.

Check out our video to learn more about the critical roles vitamin D plays in our bodies, and download our fact sheet for your quick reference.