Vitamin of the Month-VITAMIN D

The bonus about fat soluble vitamins is our body is capable of storing them, so consumption on a daily basis is not required.  Vitamin D is SPECIAL!  We do not always need to consume it through our diet.  One of the major sources of Vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight.

Vitamin D has many important functions in the body including:

-metabolism of phosphorus and calcium (important minerals in the body for bone growth and development)

-bone and teeth formation

-never and muscle activity

VITAMIN D & SIGHT?

What many people do not know is that Vitamin D is important for eye sight.  Nearsightedness is a visual symptom of Vitamin D deficiency.  Nearsightedness (myopia) is a condition caused by the elongation of the eyeball or by an error in refraction so that the parallel rays are focused in front of the retina

IMPORTANT SOURCES OF VITAMIN D

All the fat soluble vitamins are found in a variety of fat-containing foods.  In addition, the major source of vitamin D is through direct sunlight.  Canadians need to be careful to make sure that they are receiving enough sunlight (especially in the winter), to keep their Vitamin D levels up.  Other important sources include:

-Vitamin D Fortified Milk and Milk Products (which all Milk in Canada is)

-Butter

-Fish

-Eggs

-Mushrooms

For more information on Vitamin D please visit: http://www.vindicomeded.com/cmelc/pcon_ce0809.asp