How many iu's of vitamin d supplements should i be taking?

Controversial: Too much can be toxic. It's being added to many foods (e.g. milk) to enhance calcium absorption. Sunlight triggers vit D formation by the body (15 min exposure); so supplements rarely needed in sunny areas. Exceptions: people with osteoporosis, documented deficiency, disorders of calcium metabolism. Amount in quality multiple vitamin should be adequate. If in doubt, PCP can order vitamin D level.

Getting your D3: level checked by your doc is best. Although the reference range on lab tests is 30 to about 90, experts on D suggest between 50 and 80 as optimal. Many folks take 5000 IUs. Peace and good health.

It depends on:: All adults need to take 5-8000 iu/day of Vitamin D3 in fall and winter months as we can not get any D from the sun (unless in the deep South). We can get adequate D from spending time in the mid-day sun in spring and summer, but if you don't get much sun or use sunscreen then it is reasonable to take D year-round. See http://tinyurl.com/m67hmkg