“Hi Dr. Nicole, What vitamin D should I be taking for my *seasonal depression*, and how much?”

The best vitamin D is in a liquid or emulsion form called “calcitriol” or vitamin D3 (not vitamin D2.)  For those of us north of California we need about 1000 IU’s daily, or twenty minutes of sunlight on our hands and face (which doesn’t happen too often here in Seattle.) I personally use and recommend Biotics.

If you have chronic disease, depression, or chronic pain please have your doctor measure your vit D 25-OH levels if exceeding 1000-2000 IU daily.   Vitamin D influences calcium levels and a life threatening case of hypercalcemia may occur in the overuse of this fat soluble vitamin without the supervision of a naturopathic physician.  Chronic elevated calcium levels may lead to atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.” An optimal vitamin D 25-OH value is around 60-100.  Most Seattlelites are deficient for obvious reasons.  This is why we huddle in local Starbucks for comfort and safety.

When I was a student intern at Bastyr Bio-D Emulsion by Biotics was our favorite liquid vitamin D.  You can save a lot of money buying supplements online through eVitamins.  I simply plan ahead and buy $75 worth at a time to qualify for the free shipping.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen table to ask the question,

Dr. Nicole Sundene