Good Morning Sunshine

I saw a health tip on television that mentioned that Vitamin D can be good for your legs. If your level is too low there is an increased risk for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or blood clots in the legs. The news item referenced a recent study in New York by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

The researchers found that being older, female, and nonwhite, having diabetes, a current smoker, and having a higher body mass index were all independently associated with a greater risk of being vitamin D deficient, while greater physical activity, vitamin D supplementation, and evaluating subjects in a non-winter season (greater exposure to sunshine) were all associated with higher levels.

Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin. It is naturally produced by the human body when we are in direct sunlight. When we started working indoors and started to wear more clothes when in the sun, it lowered the natural production of vitamin D and caused deficiency diseases.

When it was uncovered that supplements of Vitamin D would prevent or correct some of these diseases, vitamin D was added to the growing list of vital nutrients.

Data indicates that 3 out of 4 people these days do not get enough vitamin D3 in their diet. The daily recommended intake for this vitamin is set to between 400-600 International Units (IU), and it probably too low. Many doctors feel that 1000 IU per day is probably a better number.

One way to get more of this nutrient is to drink three to four glasses of vitamin D milk a day. As a treat for the cold winter months one suggestion is to flavor it with vanilla or chocolate and drink it warm. Another idea would be to go online and choose a vitamin D3 Supplement. This is generally a low cost alternative to a grocery store.