Here is the second part to the interview with Dr John Cuomo, Executive Director of Research and Development at USANA Health Sciences. I have been quite encouraged by the interview so far. I am more motivated then ever to make sure my family and I get more vitamin D. After all, it is so easy to find…just go outside and get some sun. Chances are a few hours in the sun will not be enough, so I am happy to know there is another source. Keep reading to find out.
What are the best ways to take vitamin D to ensure you’ve taken enough?
Dietary sources are not sufficient. Even though milk, orange juice and fish do contain vitamin D, all of the data we have seen indicates that the vast majority of Americans are vitamin D deficient. The two best ways to get the vitamin D you need are to get adequate sun exposure to exposed skin (without sun block) or to take a good vitamin D supplement. In addition, the only good way to tell if you have adequate stores of vitamin D is to have a blood test run. If your doctor asks for this test, be sure they measure the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in plasma, and the amount should be 40 – 60 ng/mL.
Does sunscreen stop us absorbing vitamin D?
Yes. To make vitamin D in the skin, UV light must hit the skin directly. Sunscreen effectively blocks this, and almost no vitamin D will be produced if you apply sunscreen.
How often should vitamin D be taken?
A daily supplement of 2000 to 5000
IU of vitamin D.
Why is vitamin D important?
It supports healthy bones, immune function, muscle strength, glucose control, and may help prevent auto immune disease and heart disease.