(NC)-Sun exposure on bare skin is our major source of vitamin D, a nutrient important for bone development, blood vessel health, immune function and disease prevention. Factors such as the length of sunny seasons, geographic latitude, cloud cover, smog, and use of sunscreens can reduce your exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, at the same time reducing your body’s ability to produce vitamin D.
To ensure you minimize health risks associated with excess exposure to damaging UV rays, and still get enough Vitamin D, supplementation is often recommended, combined with small amounts of sun exposure. New research has led the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Dermatology Association to increase their recommended daily intake of vitamin D for Canadian adults by five times – from 200 IU to 1000 IU daily.
The good news is that vitamin D3 supplements, the most recommended form of vitamin D, are generally inexpensive and come in forms that should appeal to all family members. Whatever the weather, there’s no reason to miss out on the health benefits of vitamin D.
