New research has analyzed the ways in which the food industry may incorporate the latest information on the many health benefits of vitamin D to help Americans avoid deficiency.

The report presented at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo discussed scientific evidence showing that in addition to maintaining bone integrity vitamin D may also play a role in preventing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as some types of cancer.

The meeting suggested the food industry may take advantage of the latest technologies to add vitamin D to natural cheese, fruit juice and other beverages and foods to provide consumers with the benefits of both vitamin D and calcium as these nutrients tend to be under-consumed.

Dr. James C. Fleet, professor in the department of foods and nutrition at Purdue University, says that while health benefits of vitamin D are indisputable, scientists are still not in agreement about the best protective levels.

Some have even recommended upping the daily intake to 2,000 IUD, which can be obtained through nutritional supplements.