At some point in your adult life, your doctor may tell you that you are Vitamin D deficient.
Up to 50% of Americans are diagnosed with needing more Vitamin D. Here’s a look into the common questions around this essential vitamin.
Q: How much sun do I need exactly to get enough Vitamin D?
A: It is recommended that you spend about 20 minutes daily in the sun without sunscreen to absorb enough and stay healthy! (Just make sure to always cover your face!) Any more time in the sun and you want to apply sunscreen.
Q: What are the health benefits of vitamin D?
A: Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels to keep your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. A lack of vitamin D is associated with many ailments including depression, osteoporosis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Q: Where else can I get vitamin D? Diet or supplements?
A: Although there is Vitamin D in food, it’s almost impossible to consume the levels you need through the diet alone because the amount in food is so minimal. Egg yolks and mushrooms are foods with the highest amounts. Vitamin D supplements can be helpful, but are not as effective as the sun. Always take with food because D is a fat soluble vitamin. Just watch out – there is an upper limit to D – too much of this supplement can be toxic, so be sure to get a prescription for quantity from your doctor or dietitian.