Protocol · Nutritional Deficiency
Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment and Prevention Protocol
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) and Vitamin K2 are the core of this stack, with 5 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment and Prevention.
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The stack
7 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) | Amount listed: 1,000–5,000 IU daily for maintenance; higher doses for repletion per physician | Primary treatment for deficiency; D3 is more effective than D2 at raising blood levels | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin K2 | Amount listed: 100–200 mcg MK-7 daily | Works synergistically with vitamin D; directs calcium to bones rather than arteries | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Required for vitamin D activation and metabolism; deficiency impairs vitamin D function | Not graded yet | ||
| Calcium | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily if dietary intake insufficient | Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption; adequate calcium needed for bone health | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports vitamin D receptor function; often co-deficient with vitamin D | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin A | Amount listed: 2,500–5,000 IU daily (not with vitamin D toxicity) | Works with vitamin D in immune function and bone health; balance is important | Not graded yet | ||
| Boron | Amount listed: 3–6 mg daily | May enhance vitamin D effectiveness and support calcium metabolism | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Vitamin D is unique because it functions as a hormone and affects virtually every cell in the body. It's essential for bone health, immune function, mood, and many other processes.
VITAMIN D LEVELS:
- Deficient: <20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L)
- Insufficient: 20-29 ng/mL (50-72 nmol/L)
- Sufficient: 30-100 ng/mL (75-250 nmol/L)
- Optimal: 40-60 ng/mL (100-150 nmol/L)
- Potentially harmful: >100 ng/mL (>250 nmol/L)
RISK FACTORS for deficiency:
- Limited sun exposure
- Dark skin
- Obesity
- Older age
- Malabsorption conditions
- Certain medications
- Living at high latitudes
- Indoor lifestyle
SYMPTOMS of deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Impaired wound healing
- Frequent infections
- Bone loss
TREATMENT APPROACH:
1. Test 25-OH vitamin D level
2. Treat deficiency with loading dose if severe
3. Maintain with daily or weekly supplementation
4. Retest after 8-12 weeks
DOSING GUIDELINES:
- Maintenance (sufficient levels): 1000-2000 IU daily
- Insufficiency: 2000-4000 IU daily
- Deficiency: 5000-10000 IU daily or 50,000 IU weekly for 6-8 weeks, then maintenance
- Severe deficiency: Higher doses under medical supervision
Vitamin D3* (cholecalciferol) is preferred over D2 as it raises blood levels more effectively.
Vitamin K2* helps direct calcium to bones and away from arteries.
Magnesium* is required for vitamin D activation.
Expected timeline: Blood levels typically take 6-8 weeks to significantly improve. Symptoms may improve sooner.