Do You Know Your Levels of Vitamin D?

Summer is almost over, and many of us in Southern California got to enjoy the sunshine at the beach or out and about.

Prior to oral surgery, I ask many of my patients: “do you know your vitamin D level?” A common response I get is that we live in Southern California we get lots of sunshine, so, “I’m sure my vitamin D is fine”. But that’s not a guarantee. Even myself, I spend much time outside over the weekends and I had a low vitamin D level of only 29. Research shows that most of us are low in vitamin D.

So what’s the big deal with this vitamin D, you may ask? It has been shown in studies to contribute to increased rate of infection, periodontitis, cavities, and failed dental implants, as well as osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and hair loss.

The best way to make sure your vitamin D level is optimum if you have a check through a blood test. Nowadays, we can order a kit online and with a simple finger prick, place a drop of blood onto blotting paper and send it in the mail for testing.  ZRT Laboratory is one company that offers an at-home kit for vitamin D testing.

How can you get more vitamin D? There are other sources of vitamin D through nutrition, which include fish (like salmon, sardines, etc.) and even eggs.

The biggest mistake us to take vitamin D every day without knowing your level. Too high of a level of vitamin D can cause toxicity, so make sure you test your vitamin D . If your vitamin D level is under 40 make sure you see your physician or nutritionist  to recommend you the right dose for you and keep your vitamin D at optimum levels. It may keep you healthy and the upcoming flu season!