Vitamin D recommendations have been relatively high in my field compared to RDA and compared to over the counter doses.  New recommendations from the Endocrine Society supports the use of mega doses (150,000 IU) once weekly and large daily doses up to 10,000 IU for deficiency.  “Maintenance” doses are the most useful since “20-100% of the population may be deficient”.  They range from 400-6000IU a day depending on your age, weight, and medications/ailments. A fantastic statement made  by the endocrine society justifies targeting optimum levels.  “A clinical approach of targeting a higher 25(OH)D value seems prudent in that improving vitamin D status should reduce multiple adverse consequences of vitamin D deficiency at extremely low cost with minimal toxicity risk.”

 

Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin d deficiency: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jul;96(7):1911-30. Epub 2011 Jun 6.PMID:21646368