| Vitamin D is a vitamin found in food, and it can also | | | | daily allowance. Second, your body produces vitamin |
| be produced by your body after you are out in the | | | | D when you are in the sun, though it doesn't work |
| sun. Supplements can also be effective in helping you | | | | when you are wearing sunscreen (though it is still |
| get the vitamin D you need and prevent deficiency. | | | | important to use sunscreen to prevent cancer and |
| There are many reasons you should consider making | | | | other problems due to sun exposure). You should |
| sure you are getting enough vitamin D; in fact it | | | | check this with your doctor, but it is known that a |
| seems like each day there is a new discovery | | | | short exposure to the sun, even as little as 10 |
| regarding this particular vitamin. | | | | minutes allows the process of vitamin D production |
| There are several benefits that are known for sure: | | | | to start. The third way you can get vitamin D is |
| Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption which helps | | | | through over the counter pills or supplements. |
| you maintain strong bones, and it also helps to | | | | Vitamin D supplements may be most beneficial for |
| maintain your immune system. While these are | | | | you if you are in any of the following groups, all of |
| important benefits themselves, there are other | | | | who could be prone to vitamin d deficiency: |
| exciting potential benefits that are just being | | | | - Infrequent exposure to the sun or you must wear |
| discovered. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D | | | | sun block almost all the time |
| may help protect you against some cancers, and | | | | - Lactose intolerant, or just don't enjoy milk or drink |
| possibly reverse heart disease. In addition, there is an | | | | a lot of it |
| emerging opinion that vitamin D supplements may | | | | - Very sensitive to the sun and/or wear sun block |
| reduce symtoms of anxiety and depression, with a | | | | - Live far north of the equator, like New England in |
| particularly strong effect on women who suffer | | | | the US. |
| anxiety with PMS and anyone who gets depressed | | | | - Don't eat much large fish, perhaps due to concerns |
| during the winter months. (Reference information | | | | about mercury content |
| regarding these studies can be provided if you | | | | - Older adults (50 and over) are less able to produce |
| contact the author of this article). | | | | and/or synthesize vitamin D |
| There are three ways you can ensure you are | | | | - Some medical conditions - consult with your doctor |
| getting enough vitamin D. First, there are direct food | | | | There are serious health risks if you take too many |
| sources, such as fortified milk, large fish like salmon | | | | vitamin D supplements. Read the container they |
| and tuna, many breakfast cereals, and egg yolk. | | | | come in carefully and consult with your doctor if it is |
| However, if you don't consume the fish, it is actually | | | | at all unclear. Most supplements are very clear about |
| very difficult to get enough vitamin D from another | | | | the usual adult dose, so it should be easy for you to |
| source. For example, most milk is fortified to the | | | | start a vitamin D supplementation regimen today. |
| degree that you'd have to have 10 cups to get your | | | | |