Experts haven’t agreed on a number that defines a low vitamin D level. For most healthy people, the Office of Dietary Supplements states that a vitamin D serum (blood) level below 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)Trusted Source or 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) may not be adequate for bone and overall health.
Other organizations define a vitamin D insufficiency as 12 to 19 ng/mLTrusted Source (30 to 47.4 nmol/L) and a vitamin D deficiency as less than 12 ng/mL.
An optimal vitamin D level may vary depending on personal factors such as age or race. This makes it hard to definitively say what’s “right” for any group of people.
Your doctor can help determine whether your vitamin D level may be low based on your personal characteristics and medical history and recommend steps you can take to increase it.
Recommended daily amounts of vitamin D
Like optimal vitamin D levels, experts haven’t agreed on an optimal daily intake of vitamin D. The amount you need may depend on your age and other factors.
The following table shows the Office of Dietary Supplements’ general guidelinesTrusted Source in micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU).
| Age | Daily amount |
|---|---|
| 0 to 12 months | 10 mcg or 400 IU |
| 1 to 13 years | 15 mcg or 600 IU |
| 14 to 18 years | 15 mcg or 600 IU |
| 19 to 50 years | 15 mcg or 600 IU |
| 51 to 70 years | 15 mcg or 600 IU |
| over 70 years | 20 mcg or 800 IU |
Again, these are general guidelines and the exact amount necessary for optimal health may differ between individuals based on many factors. The recommended daily amount may also be higher if you’re trying to manage a vitamin D deficiency.
Ask your doctor how much vitamin D you may need daily.
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Ways to increase vitamin D levels
You may be able to increase your vitamin D levels in the following ways:
- getting more sunlight while taking proper safety precautions
- consuming more foods with vitamin D
- taking vitamin D supplements
Talk with a healthcare professional before increasing your vitamin D intake. They can help you create a safe, appropriate plan.
»Learn more:Ways to boost your vitamin D levels
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Last medically reviewed on April 7, 2025
How we reviewed this article:
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Apr 7, 2025
Written By
Kim Taylor
Edited By
Kim Taylor
Medically Reviewed By
Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES
Copy Edited By
Kim Shaw
Reference:
Medically reviewed by Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES — Written by Kim Taylor on April 7, 2025
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