So, what to do? Nature intended for us to get our vitamin D from exposure to the sun. Even if you don't live in the northern latitudes like I do, it is difficult to spend enough time in our busy lives to meet our vitamin D needs. D is also not found in many foods, although a growing number are fortified nowadays, so get in the habit of reading labels for this addition. Recommendations for daily dose vary from expert to expert, but there seems to be agreement that we all need at least 1000-2000 IU (international units) daily. Many vitamin D researchers are suggesting 2000 IU of D3 a day along with 15 minutes of sunlight. In the winter months, increasing that dose is advisable. The supplements of D3 are safe and inexpensive. Even if you have to get all your vitamin D from a pill, you're getting a big bang for that investment in your health.