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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Summer Sizzle: Vitamin D (The Sunshine Vitamin)
Submitted by: Marilyn Gordon, Ed.D., RD, CSSD, LDN
Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
Summer officially begins June 20th. As we venture out for fun in the sun, we are also taking action towards improving our Vitamin D status. Historically health authorities advised us to never supplement Vitamin D since the body can produce it when the skin is exposed to the sunlight, it was fat-soluble, stored in the liver, and could easily build to toxic levels. Fast forward to our indoors lifestyle with computers, video games, DVR’s, DVD’s and air conditioning, we are now a nation with a Vitamin D problem.
Vitamin D is well known for its role in bone health as it promotes calcium absorption. Recent research shows that it may also be preventive against colon cancer, and help with the prevention and treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and Multiple Sclerosis. Food sources include: salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod liver oil, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. Mushrooms exposed to UV light under controlled conditions can also be a good source. Fortified foods such as milk and certain brands of yogurt, margarine, breakfast cereals, and orange juice can also be consumed to increase the daily intake.
The Daily Reference Intake (DRI) was recently increased to 600 IU/d for those 1-70 years of age. Individuals at risk for Vitamin D deficiency are: breast-fed infants, older adults, those with limited sun exposure, persons with dark skin, the obese, and those who have had gastric bypass surgery. Most likely you have never had your Vitamin D level assessed so at your next physician visit, ask to have your serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D status checked. Your physician can review the results with you and together decide on a treatment plan.