What up, D?

We just don't hear about Vitamin D as often as Calcium, but the hard facts are that without Vitamin D, Calcium just doesn't work in your system.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that the RDI for vitamin D be increased to 400 IU (International Units) up from 200 IU for infants and children.

The new recommendation is to help prevent bone diseases, like rickets, but also to help maintain a healthy immune system and potentially protect against many chronic diseases, in which vitamin D appears to be protective.

Here are the facts:

• As winter approaches, less exposure to sunshine is likely, therefore the risk of vitamin D deficiency is greater. Did you know that your body makes Vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun?

• Many individuals are not aware of high sources of Vitamin D. Fortified milk, fortified cereals, eggs, fatty fish, cheese, butter and margarine are all good sources.
  

• For those who are lactose intolerant (myself included) what are non-dairy Vitamin D alternatives? Vitamin D fortified orange juice (Tropicana makes a good one), non-dairy beverages (almond milk) and soy. Also found in supplement form.
  

Want more info on Vitamin D? http://www.aap.org/family/vitdpatients.htm