Vitamin D sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin helps your body to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to soft bones in children (rickets) and fragile, misshapen bones in adults. It is an essential nutrient that can help fortify bones, keeping them strong while also potentially reducing cancer cell growth and helping to control infections and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin D also helps to regulate the immune system, the neuromuscular system and plays a vital role in the life cycle of human cells.
The body naturally makes Vitamin D by itself, but only after skin is exposed to sufficient sunlight. This can be a challenge for most people who live in Minnesota at least for 6 months of the year!
Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, making it hard to get enough through food consumption. Try adding the following to your diet all great sources:
- Salmon
- Swordfish
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Beef Liver
- Egg Yolks
To avoid Vitamin D deficiency many people, take a supplement. The recommended daily dose is between 1,500-2,000 IU for adults and 1,000 IU per day for infants and children.
