How Vitamin D Can Help to Protect You from Chronic Disease

What Vitamin D Does for Us

But what some of us don't know is that it's also necessary to:

• Keep our muscles strong
• Help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

A recent review produced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that vitamin d deficiency is a prevalent problem in most of the U.S. and Canadian populations.

Why Many of Us Aren't Getting Enough

Climate changes, the use of sunscreens and the fact that millions of us work indoors directly affects our intake from the sun.

Vegetarians who consume no animal products, and others who avoid all dairy products are also at high risk for a deficiency.

Common sources of this nutrient include sunlight, fish, cod liver oil, fortified milk and supplements.

How Much Do You Need?

In fact, many experts now say that the average person needs closer to 800-1000 total IU from foods, sunlight and/or supplements to meet the body's daily requirement.

Supplementation Can Be Tricky

If you decide to meet your daily requirement through supplementation alone, it's a good idea to check with a trusted health professional prior to doing so.

The reason? Needs can vary among individuals because of diet, climate lived in and skin pigmentation.

For example, African-Americans and others with darker complexions have more melanin in their skin, which acts as a natural sunblock.

Such individuals may need a supplement with a higher IU to make up for the lesser amount that their skin absorbs from the sun.

Vegans may also need a supplement with a higher concentration of d. This is where the advice a qualified medical professional can help.

Some Natural Sunlight is Key

And remember, all living things need some sunlight to thrive--indoor pets too!

So it's a good idea to get outside for 20 minutes to half an hour at least several days a week.

If you've got pets, this can be a great time for some bonding and relaxation.

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