SPEAKER: Vitamin D is just a sun
ray away.
But most people aren't getting
enough.
So how can you bone up
on this essential vitamin?
Here's the truth about vitamin
D.
Do I really need vitamin D?
Yes, vitamin D is crucial.
Your bones depend on it.
It helps the body absorb
calcium, which forms
and maintain strong bones.
Kids need it, and adults do too.
There are a few ways
to get vitamin D. One way is
to head outside.
Your body produces vitamin D
naturally when it's exposed
to direct sunlight.
So I just need to head out
into the sun, right?
Yes and no.
Sun is a great way
to get vitamin D,
but the problem is it's
hard to figure out how much sun
you need.
Depending on your skin tone,
where you live,
and even levels of pollution,
it's difficult to really know
how much sun is enough, or too
much.
So should I wear sunscreen?
Yes.
While sunscreen does reduce
your vitamin D production,
many doctors believe the risk
of skin cancer
outweighs the benefit you get
from the sun.
And you should always use
sunscreen to avoid getting sun
damage to your skin.
So if you're going outdoors
for some fun in the sun,
you do need to slather up.
Are there foods with vitamin D?
Yes, the second way
to get vitamin D
is through food.
There are a few foods that
contain it naturally,
like salmon, sardines, eggs,
and shrimp, and there are plenty
of foods that are fortified
with vitamin D. Look for it
in orange juice, milk,
and yogurt.
But, most people don't get all
the vitamin D their body needs
from food alone.
So you may want to consider
taking a supplement.
Before you do,
check with your doctor to see
if any other multivitamins
or medications you're taking
already
contain vitamin D. Many do.
Can vitamin D keep me
from getting sick?
Maybe-- research shows
that vitamin D plays a very
important role
in the immune system,
and it's possible that people
with lower levels of vitamin D
are at a higher risk for getting
the flu.
Now that you know all
the options, getting vitamin D
is as easy as one, two, three--
sunlight, food, and supplements.