Vitamin D is called the Sunshine vitamin because sunlight is actually the principal source of vitamin D for the body. And I'm of the philosophy that sunshine is still the best way to get your D...considering that D isn't found naturally in most foods and it's impossible to "overdose" on D that your body produces from sun (once the skin absorbs enough UVB rays to make D, the conversion process shuts down). But, in our day and age, the threat of sunburn continues (hello wrinkles and skin cancer). Plus, if you live north of Atlanta, our skin can't adequately use the sun's rays during the wintry months to produce D. So, although I'm not a big supplement person, for these reasons, vitamin D supplements are a good way to go.
Check this out: Researchers now believe that one possible reason colds and the flu are more prominent in the winter is due to low vitamin D levels. Which makes sense--our bodies have a tougher time making D during the winter. A study out of Massachusetts looked at data from nearly 20,000 people and found that those with the lowest levels of D had the highest risk of upper-respiratory infections i.e. colds. Hint--if you want to keep from getting sick, consider getting adequate levels of vitamin D, not C!!
So now that you know how potentially awesome vitamin D is, here's what to know about getting yours:
Most multivitamins provide 400 IU of D, a level calculated to prevent rickets. This disease was nearly eradicated in the 1930s, when milk was fortified, but is now on the rebound thanks to widespread vitamin D deficiency (the down-side to sunscreen). The government's recommended daily allowances for D are being re-examined and may be pushed up to 1000 IU (or higher) for everyone over age one in 2010. And while experts say there's little danger of overdose, it's not a great idea to assume that more is necessarily better...
Look for a D3 supplement, which provides the kind of D created when skin is exposed to the sun. And you can improve vitamin absorption if you down your pill with a little fat. I personally take my vitamin D supplement with my fish oil pill at night.
Factors effecting vitamin D production from the sun: amount of exposed skin, time of day, latitude at which one lives, age, and skin pigmentation. Furthermore, wearing sunscreen blocks vitamin D absorption.
Even little babies need vitamin D. Breast milk is considered perfect nutrition with one exception. Frequently there is not enough vitamin D in breast milk for your baby's growth. Vitamin D supplements of 400 IU per day are recommended beginning after birth for exclusively breast-fed babies and children who have little sunlight exposure without sunscreen. Jude actually gets his vitamin D this way...
And for the summer months, consider this simple plan designed to satisfy almost everyone: First, figure out how long it takes your skin to turn pink or show other signs of reaction to the sun. Then spend only one-quarter of that time outdoors without sunscreen (except on your face) several times a week. For most people that adds up to 10 to 15 minutes in the midday sun (unless your skin is very fair and reddens with such brief exposure). African Americans and others with very dark skin may need at least twice the time in the sun. For best results, expose at least 50 percent of your body, wearing shorts and a T-shirt or a bathing suit, if possible. And when your time is up, protect your skin and slather on the sunscreen!
PS--Costco coupons feature 2$ off of Vitamin D supplements through 10/10/10.
Source: http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/the-miracle-vitamin/article28654.html
PS--Costco coupons feature 2$ off of Vitamin D supplements through 10/10/10.
wow, you take such good care of you body and stuff. i guess i need to start swallowing more pills this winter
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