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Shining a Light on Vitamin D

Vitamind Infographic

News about the sunshine vitamin isn鈥檛 quite so sunny these days as vitamin D deficiencies are on the rise.

Why is vitamin D deficiency more common now?

Our bodies need exposure to ultraviolet-B rays (UVB) to stimulate vitamin D production in our skin. But increased use of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, reduced participation in outdoor activities, and air pollution have all . The consensus in the medical community is that skin cancer prevention is necessary, so getting additional vitamin D through food and supplements is the best option.

Vitamin D is essential to our health!

  • Contributes to bone formation and strength by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorous.
  • Plays an important role in our immune and muscle functions and helps our brain communicate to the nervous system.
  • Recent studies have shown higher vitamin D intake helped prevent .

How much vitamin D do we need daily?

  • Infants up to 1 year: 400 IU or 10 mcg
  • Children 1-18: 600 IU or 15 mcg
  • Adults 19-69: 600 IU or 15 mcg
  • Adults 70 and older: 800 IU or 20 mcg

Good Vitamin D Sources

  • Fresh fish, especially rainbow trout and salmon
  • Cod liver oil
  • Beef or calf liver
  • Egg yolks
  • Fortified dairy products like milk and yogurt
  • Fortified orange juice and breakfast cereal

Vitamin D supplements are an option, but consult with your doctor to get a prescription for vitamin D or before taking supplements.