Sources of Vitamin D

We all know that vitamins are essential for our body. The market has been literally flooded with vitamin supplements both in the form of health drinks as well as pills. However, different vitamins work differently and taking a multivitamin pill daily may not help you to overcome your specific vitamin deficiency. Medical research has shown that almost 75% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient. This particular vitamin is known to have an importantrole in the building up of bones and musculature. It can also lower the risk of several chronic debilitating diseases. If you look around, you will find that you can increase the vitamin D in your body in multiple ways.

Diet- Natural foods containing Vitamin D are not very common. You can get an adequate amount of the vitamin from fishes rich in fat. Salmon, Mackerel and sardines will help you to stock up on vitamin D. Egg yolks and red meat have a considerably less amount of vitamin D. If you are averse to eating such food, you can settle for breakfast cereals fortified with the vitamin. Margarine as well as yoghurt come with added Vitamin D as well.

Outdoors- Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. Lying in the sun for a period of ten to fifteen minutes will help your skin absorb a sufficient amount of vitamin D. The sunlight in the Northern climatic regions are not quite adequate for absorption of Vitamin D. Sea beaches or areas having a tropical climate are best sources of Vitamin D.

Supplements- If your diet and exposure to sunlight does not provide you with the required amount of Vitamin D, it is wise to turn to supplements. Choosing a supplement that will provide you with 800mg of the vitamin in the form of cholecalciferol or D3 is particularly beneficial. However, you need to consult a physician before beginning to take the supplement. Testing your blood for Vitamin D deficiency is mandatory before you proceed to increase the vitamin in your body.