Let's all steal some sunshine (it's good for us)
While vitamin D's arsenal of disease-fighting effects has become a hotbed of research, debates over how much of the nutrient is needed are also heated. Many experts want recommendations increased significantly. Currently, for adults up to 50 years of age, the daily recommendation is only 200 IU. For those 50 to 69, it's 400 IU per day, and over age 70, it's just 600 IU per day. A minimum of 1,000 IU per day is what some are calling for.
Meeting these quotas without adequate sun exposure or without taking supplements is impossible. Consider that milk, one of the few foods fortified with the vitamin, only provides 100 IU per cup. Other sources include fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel, with over 350 IU in a 31/2-ounce serving.
But it now appears that vitamin D will get its day in the sun. This September, Health Canada will be taking part in a conference to be held by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that will evaluate Vitamin D needs and safety across all age groups. In the meantime, keep in the mind that the current upper level of vitamin D intake considered to be safe by Health Canada is 2,000 IU. Stay tuned in September for the verdict.
While vitamin D's arsenal of disease-fighting effects has become a hotbed of research, debates over how much of the nutrient is needed are also heated. Many experts want recommendations increased significantly. Currently, for adults up to 50 years of age, the daily recommendation is only 200 IU. For those 50 to 69, it's 400 IU per day, and over age 70, it's just 600 IU per day. A minimum of 1,000 IU per day is what some are calling for.
Meeting these quotas without adequate sun exposure or without taking supplements is impossible. Consider that milk, one of the few foods fortified with the vitamin, only provides 100 IU per cup. Other sources include fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel, with over 350 IU in a 31/2-ounce serving.
But it now appears that vitamin D will get its day in the sun. This September, Health Canada will be taking part in a conference to be held by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that will evaluate Vitamin D needs and safety across all age groups. In the meantime, keep in the mind that the current upper level of vitamin D intake considered to be safe by Health Canada is 2,000 IU. Stay tuned in September for the verdict.
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