Alternative Medicine: Are you getting enough vitamin D?
"Physicians long have known the importance of this vitamin in building strong bones. However, research is emerging that suggests vitamin D plays a much broader role in maintaining optimal health. Vitamin D may help in preventing and treating a growing number of health problems -- including diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, chronic pain, migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and certain types of cancers. "
"At the same time, more people are at risk of being deficient in this essential nutrient than had previously been thought. "
"We get most of our vitamin D from sun exposure. Additionally, many foods such as milk, orange juice and cereals are fortified with vitamin D. So why would we be deficient? Well, let's just say that sunshine is not a consistent virtue of our environment in the Pacific Northwest. Even when we do get sun, most of us dutifully apply sunscreen or wear clothing that limits the UVB exposure necessary for the skin to produce vitamin D. It also appears that the recommended daily intake for this vitamin has been historically underestimated, so fortified foods and multivitamins may ... read the whole article
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