Vitamin D– also known as the sunshine vitamin is produced by our bodies naturally in response to sunlight. 
- To build stronger bones.
- To prevent cardiovascular disease.
- To prevent colon, breast and prostate cancer.
- To prevent type 2 diabetes.
- To reduce hypertension
Vitamin D is naturally found in egg yolks, some fish, fish liver oils, fortified dairy and grain products, and beef liver.
For vegetarians it can be a challenge to attain maximum consumption of vitamin D. Tofu and Shitake mushrooms have been named a good source of vitamin D. As per WebMD, the suggested dose form the Institue of Medicine is 600 international units (IU) for everyone aged 1-70, and 800 IU for those over 70.
Always make sure to take your vitamin D supplement with a meal rich in calcium and some fat for better absorption of the Vitamin D dosage. If you are eating foods that are rich in vitamin D such as milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, fish and cereal try to adjust your vitamin D supplement according to your intake of foods that are already rich in vitamin D. 
You are at a risk of vitamin D deficiency when you don’t do the following …
- Not consuming enough foods that are rich in vitamin D.
- Not exposing yourself to sunlight or very limited.
- People with darker skin are unable to make enough vitaminD.
- When kidneys cannot process the vitamin to its actual form.
- A compromised digestive tract cannot absorb vitamin D.
- Obesity can extract vitamin D by the overpowering of fat cells.
It’s always important to check with your healthcare provider the right dosage of any vitamin supplement to make sure you are not getting an over dosage of any vitamin !!
Dr.Shah and Dr.O’Riordan at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Shelby Twp, MI.
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