Since I take more supplements than anyone I know and I probably sit outside in the sun more than I should, I assumed my vitamin D level would be normal and maybe even high. Because increasing evidence shows that vitamin D affects so many aspects of health, I decided to have my vitamin D level tested. The day before the test I sat in the sun reading for an hour.
To my surprise, my vitamin D level (best measured at 25 OH vitamin D) was low at 21 with a reference range of 30-60. In autoimmune disease, we're supposed to strive for an optimal level of 60.
What I hadn't considered is that my olive skin with excess melanin hinders vitamin D absorption. Also, people with Graves' disease often have a mutation to the vitamin D receptor that prevents us from forming vitamin D hormone from sunlight. And although I had been taking around 3000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, my gluten sensitivity prevents absorption of oils and oil soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.
Since upping my vitamin D dose to 5000 IU daily I'm undoubtedly absorbing calcium better and sometimes think my restless leg syndrome is improving although it's too soon to say and I suspect I may need a higher supplement dose...something to discuss with my doctor next month. Because low vitamin D levels help perpetuate autoimmune diseases, it's important for all thyroid patients to have their levels checked. It'd be interesting to track the results.