#Vitamin D #sunshine

Vitamin D is important for strong bones a healthy immune system and many other body functions. It is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because the body can produce it when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However a new study suggests that spending more time in the sun may not be enough to raise vitamin D levels especially for people who already have a deficiency. The study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed 299 older adults most of whom had low vitamin D levels. During the summer participants spent more time outdoors so researchers could see whether sunlight increased their vitamin D. The researchers found that sunlight alone had only a limited effect on vitamin D levels in people with a deficiency. They said that eating vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products and taking supplements when needed are more effective ways to improve vitamin D levels. Most adults need about 1,500 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D each day, depending on their health needs and medical advice. Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping bones strong supporting the immune system and may also help lower the risk of certain long-term health conditions. Experts estimate that around one billion people worldwide have low vitamin D levels.