One of the most interesting properties of Vitamin D is the ability of the body to synthesize the vitamin from sunshine. The body uses a precursor made from cholesterol to form vitamin D. Vitamin D is also found in foods such as egg yolk, cereals, liver, fish liver oils and foods that are fortified with it such as milk, butter and margarine. Some soy milk is also fortified and should definitely be used by strict vegetarians.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is stored in the body. An excess of vitamin D can be responsible for raising the concentration of calcium in the blood. Calcification may be dangerous for major arteries and the kidneys.
Too little vitamin D is also a problem. Insufficient is associated with rickets, osteomalacia (adult rickets) and osteoporosis. It is very important for children to have all their servings of milk (before drinking soda, tea, etc.) and it is still important for adult men and women to drink milk. If you or your child is allergic to milk, choose foods carefully maximizing your intake of the vitamin. Infants should not be fed “health beverages” that are short on vitamin D instead of breast milk or formula. Rickets develops as the infants bones are growing and should be considered irreversible.
Sunshine is good but remember to balance your need for vitamin D with the damage that ultra violet rays may do to your skin.
For more information on vitamins contact Diane at (912) 871-6130, dianem@uga.edu or www.ugaextension.com/bulloch.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is stored in the body. An excess of vitamin D can be responsible for raising the concentration of calcium in the blood. Calcification may be dangerous for major arteries and the kidneys.
Too little vitamin D is also a problem. Insufficient is associated with rickets, osteomalacia (adult rickets) and osteoporosis. It is very important for children to have all their servings of milk (before drinking soda, tea, etc.) and it is still important for adult men and women to drink milk. If you or your child is allergic to milk, choose foods carefully maximizing your intake of the vitamin. Infants should not be fed “health beverages” that are short on vitamin D instead of breast milk or formula. Rickets develops as the infants bones are growing and should be considered irreversible.
Sunshine is good but remember to balance your need for vitamin D with the damage that ultra violet rays may do to your skin.
For more information on vitamins contact Diane at (912) 871-6130, dianem@uga.edu or www.ugaextension.com/bulloch.