(ARA) – It makes sense to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer by staying in the shade and applying sun block. But in doing so you’re also depriving everyone from a valuable nutrient usually absorbed from the sun’s rays: vitamin D. |
4 Facts about Vitamin D 1. Vitamin D helps the body to better absorb calcium for stronger bones and teeth and supports a healthy immune system. 2. Our bodies get much of our vitamin D naturally from the sun. 3. Nearly 50 percent of Americans have less than the optimal blood levels of vitamin D. This deficiency is caused by wearing sunscreen, staying inside, and living in northern climates or in smog-filled urban areas, where sun exposure is reduced. 4. Vitamin D deficiency can cause bones to become brittle, thin or misshapen, which can result in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Candidates for Vitamin D Deficiency Those who spend time indoors or wear sunscreen. People with darker skin coloring make less vitamin D than other ethnicities. People who consume small amounts of milk, sardines, mackerel, herring or beef liver. One study found more than half of 380 children and teens had low blood levels of vitamin D. The elderly also were often vitamin D deficient. Supplements Can Help A spoonful (or two) of Wellesse Vitamin D3 can help your entire family keep the doctor away. And because it’s in liquid form with a yummy berry flavor, it won’t be difficult for you to convince your kids or your husband to take their daily dose of vitamin D. “What’s troubling is the number of people who are unknowingly vitamin D deficient,” says Registered Dietician Marie Spano, who is a vitamin nutrition expert and has worked as a dietary spokeswoman and consultant. “Liquid supplements are an easy way for the whole family to get enough vitamin D.” ARA Content |