From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
For a 15-year-old male, the recommended daily vitamin D intake is 2,000 IU per day, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This can be obtained through a combination of diet, sunlight exposure, and supplements if needed. Key points to consider:
- Vitamin D is essential during adolescence as it supports bone development, immune function, and overall growth during this critical period of development.
- The body naturally produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight, but factors like limited sun exposure, darker skin pigmentation, or living in northern latitudes may necessitate supplementation.
- Foods like fatty fish, fortified milk, and egg yolks also provide some vitamin D.
- It's important to avoid exceeding 4,000 IU daily (the upper limit for this age) without medical supervision, as excessive vitamin D can cause toxicity.
- A daily vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplement of 2,000 IU is typically appropriate for maintenance, as shown in the study 1, which compared the effectiveness of gradually increasing cholecalciferol doses over two years in young healthy individuals.
- For adolescents with vitamin D deficiency, higher doses may be prescribed by a healthcare provider, often 1,000-2,000 IU daily for several months until levels normalize, as suggested by earlier studies 2, 3. However, the most recent study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the recommended daily intake of 2,000 IU per day. Regular monitoring of [25(OH)D], calcium, and phosphorus levels is essential, as noted in the study 1. Overall, the recommended daily vitamin D intake for a 15-year-old male is 2,000 IU per day, based on the most recent and highest quality evidence 1.