Don't Be in the Dark About Vitamin D

Even if the sun isn't shining, there are ways to get it

FRIDAY, July 19, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- Sunlight and the vitamin D it delivers is good to the bone.

However, what do you do when the sun doesn't shine?

Getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight three times a week should be enough to help your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth and for the prevention of osteoporosis.

If you're short on sunshine, you can still get the vitamin D your body needs, says an article in the July issue of the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

Here are some tips:

  • Eat foods that provide vitamin D. They include milk, liver, egg yolks, fish and cereal fortified with vitamin D.
  • Supplements can also deliver the required vitamin D. The Mayo Clinic information says a supplement with 400 international units (IU) may benefit bone health in women aged 51 to 70. Women older than 70 should get 600 to 800 IU each day.

    More Information

    The National Institutes of Health has more information on vitamin D.

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