Inherent Nutrition

Topics covered:

• What is vitamin D?
• What does vitamin D do for us?
• What types of foods contain vitamin D?
• What is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?
• Are there health risks associated with vitamin D?
• Nutritional studies, articles and updates on vitamin D
• References

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What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble essential micronutrient. Vitamin D can naturally be created in our skin by the result of sunlight (UV ray) exposure, hence the nickname the “sunshine vitamin”. The appropriate exposure needed is around 15-30 minutes per day.

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What does vitamin D do for us?

Vitamin D allows your body to regulate and absorb phosphorous and calcium, which builds, repairs and maintains our skeletal system. It is also used by our muscle system, immune system, and nervous systems, and may prevent colon, prostate and breast cancer.

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What types of foods contain vitamin D?

Vitamin D can naturally be found in eggs, fish, liver, and fortified dairy products, but the number one source for creating Vitamin D (as noted above) is sunlight exposure.

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What is the minimum Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?

Ages 0-12 months:      10 mcg

Ages 1-69 years*:        15 mcg

Ages 70+ years:           20 mcg

* If you are pregnant or breast feeding, consult with a dietitian for your RDA?

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Are there health risks associated with vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis, or bone brittleness due to bone tissue loss, and rickets, a disease in children that distorts and softens their bones (bowed legs). Residents in the northern states are especially prone to Vitamin D deficiencies due to long winters and gray skies, which limits sunlight exposure.

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Nutritional studies, articles and updates on vitamin D:

>>>New guidelines advocate screening for vitamin D deficiency by Tufts University

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References:

1. Boyle, Marie A., and Sara Long. Personal Nutrition, Seventh Edition California, Wadsworth College Learning, 2010.
2. “Fortify your knowledge about Vitamins.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. February 21, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2011 <http://www.fda.gov>
3. “Vitamin D.” U.S. National Library of Medicine. May 31, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2011 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus>
4. “Vitamin D.” Harvard School of Public Health. 2011. April 15, 2011 <http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/index.html>
5. “Vitamin D.” American Cancer Society. December 2, 2010. Retrieved April 15, 2011. <http://www.cancer.org>
6. “Vitamin D.” Health Supplements Nutritional Guide. 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2011 <http://www.healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com>
7. “Vitamin D.” Office of Dietary Supplements. 2011. Retrieved May 01, 2011 <http://ods.od.nih.gov>
8. Griffin, Morgan R. “Vitamin D.” WebMD. David C Leopold, MD. December 7, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2011 <http://www.WebMD.com>

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Disclaimer

Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an “authoritative statement” under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

General Safety Advisory

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.