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Health & Fitness

VITAMIN D — Do you know your levels?

Vitamin D is know as "sunshine vitamin" because the body can make vitamin D after sunlight hits the skin.

Vitamin D promotes the absorption and use of two important minerals:  calcium and phosphorus. It helps deposit these two minerals in bones and teeth, making them stronger and healthier.

The body can get vitamin D from two sources—food and the sun. Vitamin D is know as "sunshine vitamin" because the body can make vitamin D after sunlight hits the skin. The body's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight diminishes with age; therefore, requirements increase for older adults.

Your location (on Earth) and the amount and time of day you are exposure to the sun on the planet also determines how much Vitamin D you are getting. Most people living in the northeast of the United States are deficient. Many doctors today are testing patient vitamin D levels as a deficiency can cause many aliments.

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Research Vitamin D deficiencies and you will amazed on the recent findings. For example, not getting enough vitamin D throughout life can cause osteoporosis (or brittle bone disease) later in life.

Some great food sources are: Cod liver oil, Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna fish and Fortified yogurt.

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Next time you have a physical ask your doctor to test your levels. Our health is our responsbility, a little research can save your life and prevent future illness and disease.

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