Vitamin D-The Sunshine Vitamin

Recent studies are suggesting we may need more vitamin D than the current recommended requirements.  Nearly half the adult population and 20% of children suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

We all know the results of using vitamin D to cure rickets. Now research is showing  health benefits of vitamin D for other diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, cancers, autoimmune diseases and diabetes.

Vitamin D stands alone as being the only vitamin that is a hormone. It is also the only vitamin that does not need to be consumed in food or supplements.

Our bodies make natural vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. We should be getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight a few times each week without sunscreen. 

Although sunlight and  vitamin D supplements are most often recommended, certain foods are also good sources of vitamin D.  Catfish, sardines, tuna and whole eggs top the list. You can also find cereals, milk, yogurt and other products fortified with Vitamin D.

So check with your doctors for safe sun exposure information and their recommendations for your daily vitamin D needs, then go catch some rays!