This week I am going to give some specific dosage information about Vitamin D to take when you get sick with the flu or any illness.

I usually don�t give specific dosages for things that I use unless I know it�s safe.  Especially if it�s a really high dose.  However, I�m going to give some very specific dosage information about how to take vitamin D when you are sick.

I, and many of my colleagues, have seen many, many people with severe vitamin D deficiency and will prescribe high doses to get theses levels up to a beneficial level.  For years now the same thing over and over.  So with the experience of seeing such low doses and with the H1N1 (Swine flu) virus looming out there, I thought I would give some very bold advice about high dose Vitamin D for illness.

There are a lot of cases of flu out there right now and many people are very concerned about getting a shot, or getting Tamiflu, or just plain getting sick.  With the economy the way it is and people not being covered by insurance it�s difficult to get into the doctor let along get any anti-viral medicine for their illness.

First of all, if you are not taking Vitamin D please start.  As an adult take 4000-5000 IU (International Units) a day with a meal. This dose will begin to get your levels up.  IF you get sick please TRIPLE your dose for 3-4 days or even a week and this will help your immune system fight off the virus/bacteria much better.

For children older than 3 take 2000 IU a day with a meal and if they get sick you can triple the dose for 3-4 days then go back to the lower dose.  It�s safe to even take that dose for a week, if needed.

For kids less than 3 take 1000 IU a day and triple the dose if sick. You can find drops of Vitamin D at most Vitamin stores.

This is so important to at least start taking your vitamin D now before you get sick.  It�s an inexpensive vitamin and easy to find.  It will protect you against several types of cancer, decrease inflammation, helps with muscle aches and pains, good for mood and is great for the immune system.

You can�t afford to not take this basic, inexpensive vitamin.