The Benefits of Vitamin D

There are few foods that naturally contain vitamin D – salmon, tuna, mackerel and fish oils are the best sources.  Thankfully, you can also get Vitamin D from a daily dose of sunshine, or from supplements.

If you are trying to get your vitamin D from exposure to the sun, you will need about 10-15 minutes per day outside in the sun.  Sunscreen will prevent you from getting adequate exposure, so try spending the first 10-15 minutes outdoors without sunscreen.  Just be sure to apply after that to prevent unnecessary burns.

You can also get your vitamin D from fortified foods such as milk, or take a quality vitamin D supplement.  The usual recommendation is 400 IU (international units) but many nutritionists recommend as much as 1000 IU.

Vitamin D has been shown to play a number of roles in our health.  It promotes the absorption of calcium, which increases bone health.  It boosts your body’s immune function.  Vitamin D can reduce inflammation, and also protect against some forms of cancer.

Our office sells two different Vitamin D formulations:

• D3 1000 IU by Metagenics offers a high potency vitamin D3, which is the most bio-active form of supplemental vitamin D available.
• We also offer D3 5000 IU  for patients who have low vitamin D levels and need a higher dosage.