VITAMIN D DETAILS
Vitamin D is required by the body to absorb and utilize calcium. Without enough Vitamin D in the body, one will not be able to keep one's bones strong by maintaining their calcium balance. Vitamin D is available to us in three forms: synthesis via sun-exposure on one's skin, consuming certain foods, and supplementation/fortification. Most whole foods that contain Vitamin D are not otherwise the more nutritious of foods (e.g. cow liver, fish liver, cheese, and egg yolks). Hence most experts recommend obtaining adequate Vitamin D via the other two methods. Supplementation is relatively easy to do and is recommended for many categories of people: those living far away from the equator, the elderly, those with known difficulty in synthesizing Vitamin D via the skin, those living in a wintry climate, those who remain indoors, those with dark skin who get little sun exposure, and those who always cover themselves completely with clothes or sunscreen. Aside from people living on or near the equator, most people will for some part of the year be helped by Vitamin D supplementation. Near the equator and elsewhere in summer, most people can get enough Vitamin D by exposing the skin of their arms and face to sunlight for 15-20 minutes. For those with darker complexion, more time is required. Far from the equator or when it is no longer summer (i.e. the sun remains within 45 degrees of the horizon), consumption of foods fortified with Vitamin D or supplementation of this nutrient is recommended. It is of course possible to get too much of a good thing, so please check with a physician about your daily recommended intake (400-800 IUs is typical).
SUPPLEMENTATION: Part 1 of 7 SUPPLEMENTATION: Part 2 of 7 SUPPLEMENTATION: Part 3 of 7 SUPPLEMENTATION: Part 4 of 7 SUPPLEMENTATION: Part 6 of 7
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