Staying Healthy

New guidelines released for vitamin D testing and supplementation

In the journals

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
  • Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
n1124i
  • Supplementation in older adults can be accomplished through vitamin D–fortified foods (such as some breakfast cereals, orange juice, and yogurt) and vitamin D supplements. Taking a daily supplement of 1,000 IU is acceptable.
  • Supplementation is recommended for adults at high risk for prediabetes. This is based on analyses suggesting that supplementation might slow the progression to diabetes.
  • To continue reading this article, you must log in.

    Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

    • Research health conditions
    • Check your symptoms
    • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
    • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
    • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
    Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

    I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

    Sign Me Up

    Already a member? Login ».

    About the Author

    photo of Matthew Solan

    Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

    Matthew Solan is the executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical College’s … See Full Bio
    View all posts by Matthew Solan

    About the Reviewer

    photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

    Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

    Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
    View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

    Disclaimer:

    As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

    No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

    You might also be interested in…

    Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals

    About half of all Americans routinely take dietary supplements. The most common ones are multivitamin and multimineral supplements. Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the foods and nutrients you need to stay healthy explains the evidence behind the benefits and safety profiles of various vitamins and minerals. It also includes the recommended minimum and maximum amounts you should consume, as well as good food sources of each.

    Read More

    Free Healthbeat Signup

    Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

    Sign Up
    Harvard Health Publishing Logo

    Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

    The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

    Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

    Harvard Health Publishing Logo

    Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

    Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

    BONUS! Sign up now and
    get a FREE copy of the
    Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

    Harvard Health Publishing Logo

    Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

    Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

    Harvard Health Publishing Logo

    Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

    Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.