Vitamin D may be known as the sunshine vitamin, but that doesnt mean that catching some rays is the best way to make sure your intake is sufficient, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
In fact, the AAD has spoken out against spending too much time in direct sunlight as a way to boost vitamin D levels, recommending that people eat well and take nutritional supplements instead.
“Vitamin D is essential for optimal health and the medical literature supports safe ways to get it a healthy diet which incorporates foods naturally rich in vitamin D, fortified foods and beverages and vitamin D supplements,” the AADs president C. William Hanke said.
The sunshine vitamin has been at the center of a number of different studies in recent months and has been shown to have significant health benefits.
A recent research review concluded that people with a vitamin D deficiency may be 30 to 50 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those who get enough of the vitamin.
“Chronic vitamin D deficiency may be a culprit in heart disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome,” commented study author Sue Penckofer of Loyola University.