May 12, 2008

The hottest vitamin news these days concerns vitamin D. Healthy people synthesize it when they’re out in the sunshine, and most dairy products are fortified with it, yet many people, especially in northern climates, don’t have enough of it in their bodies. Some people, for genetic reasons, don’t synthesize enough vitamin D even in sunny climates. Since vitamin D deficiency is associated with weak bones and a growing list of chronic disease conditions – including high blood pressure, tuberculosis, cancer, periodontal disease and multiple sclerosis – it’s simply good sense to make sure you get enough of it. Foods containing vitamin D include oily fish and mushrooms, although fortified dairy products and supplements and sunshine are still the best sources. A test for vitamin D levels is available in case you or your physician suspect a deficiency.

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