Vitamin D is perhaps the least understood and appreciated of all the vitamins.  It got so little attention early in nutritional research that it was even misnamed!  Its diverse, wide-ranging effects throughout the body actually qualify "D" as a hormone rather than vitamin.

This super-molecule does everything from improve calcium absorption, thus protecting us against osteoporosis, to acting as a powerful regulator of the immune system.  Only recently have scientists come to appreciate the significant role Vitamin D plays in fighting cancer.  Although Vitamin D naturally occurs in fish, eggs and cod liver oil, the best source has always been sunlight.  Ultraviolet rays stimulate our bodies to produce the active form of the vitamin, "D3," also known as cholecalciferol.  Are you beginning to sense the irony here?  For many years now, we have been instructed to avoid sunlight at all costs to reduce our risk of developing skin cancer.  Yet, this missed sunlight would have provided us with strong cancer protection in the form of Vitamin D3 production.  As with many scientific theories, we have settled on a path of moderation.  Sunbathing for hours and hours will probably never be considered healthy, but 15 to 20 minutes of moderate sunlight several days per week is now considered essential to good health.

Even though Florida offers a greater abundance of sunshine that most states, overcast days in winter can lead to slight deficiencies.  In this case, it is recommended to increase fish and/or cod liver oil intake.  A small (3 oz.) portion of wild salmon contains 500 IU of Vitamin D, enough to exceeed the recommended daily intake up to age 70.  It should noted that many experts support the increase of adequate intake levels, citing numerous studies in which larger doses were found to be of additional benefit.  The current AI for infants to adults age 50 is 200 IU daily, and you can expect this to rise at some point.

If you have any questions about your vitamin D levels, please contact our staff and set up a complimentary consultation.  We can help you increase your intake naturally, ensuring strong bones and a healthy immune system among other things!