Primal Sun (Vitamin D)

Since 2010, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D has fallen between 400 and 800 IU per day, but new research suggests adults may actually need at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D every day, and the best source of vitamin D is from the sun! It is estimated that the human body is able to produce 10,000 IU to 20,000 IU of vitamin D3 from as little as 30 minutes of sun exposure. However, the majority of adults do not get even 30 minutes of regular sun exposure. Subsequently, vitamin D deficiencies are rising among all age groups in the U.S. Vitamin D food sources, such as salmon, egg yolk and raw milk, only provide around 200 IU to 400 IU of vitamin D, which is why most adults would benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Taking too much vitamin D is called vitamin D toxicity, but such a scenario is highly unlikely. You’d have to take 40,000 IU per day for a couple of months or longer to be in danger of developing vitamin D toxicity.

Take stock of your living situation. If the sun is pretty much a constant where you live, then opt for some actual rays whenever possible. It’s free, it’s safe, it’s easy and it’s enjoyable! For those of you who work in an office or live in a colder climate, supplementation is an easy and effective way to ensure adequate vitamin D levels.

Certain foods are touted as vitamin D powerhouses: wild salmon, mackerel, herring, catfish, cod liver oil and eggs. Each of these foods is an excellent primal approach to eating, but won’t significantly enhance vitamin D levels. If your vitamin D levels fall within the danger zone (less than 40 ng/ml), then supplementation is strongly advised.

It’s believed that when taken orally vitamin D has a half-life of one month. Because excess vitamin D is stored in fat, some vitamin D can remain in the body for an extended period of time to be used during months when access to the sun is limited, such as the winter season.

It maintains optimum potency for up to 18 months.

Vitamin D3 is derived from lanolin (from sheep's wool). We have found that while D3 seems to be preferred by most, some people just can't absorb it well, so we offer both forms in Primal Sun.