- Vitamin D ... the Sunshine Vitamin -

In the 1930's a Vitamin D deficiency disease called Rickets was a major public health problem in the United States so a milk fortification program was implemented nearly eliminating this disorder. Currently, about 98% of the milk supply in the US is fortified with 400 Units (IU) of Vitamin D per quart. Although milk is fortified with Vitamin D, dairy products made from milk, such as cheese and ice creams are generally not fortified with Vitamin D. There are only a few foods that are good sources of Vitamin D. Therefore, Vitamin D supplements are often recommended unless you are exposed to sunlight on your skin regularly, which is almost impossible this time of the year. So let's help out our bodies by eating some foods rich in Vitamin D. This list is NOT for those who do not eat fish!

* Mackerel

* Tuna

* Sockeye Salmon

* Herring

* Sardines

* Catfish

* Tuna Fish

All of these are great sources of foods high in Vitamin D.

Just a few of the reasons to stock up on foods containing vitamin D are ...

* prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension,
* protection and lubrication of your bones, teeth and hair,
* regulation of cellular growth and healthy cell activity

Of course eggs are also a source of Vitamin D but they are only 27 units per egg.
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Recommended daily amounts of Vitamin D are as follows:

* under 50 years of age, 200 IU daily
* age 51-­70, 400 IU daily
* over 70, 600 IU daily

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KEEP IN MIND! Excess Vitamin D is toxic. You should take in no more than 1,000 IU per day from milk, food and supplements. Too much Vitamin D can lead to excessively high blood calcium levels, which could cause calcium deposits in the kidneys and arteries.

The best source is the SUN but unless you plan on moving to another country we will have to depend on another means of getting our Vitamin D. ~ Chef Wilkinson ~