How to Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D

Aug. 11, 2008— -- Vitamin D has been the focus of many new studies that link low levels of the vitamin to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and types of cancer. In a new study, published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine, research showed that low levels of vitamin D may increase your risk of early death by 26 percent.

These resources offer information on how to get your daily dose of vitamin D and improve your health.

This American Cancer Society page explains everything vitamin D related — what vitamin D does, its role in cancer prevention, nutritional sources and recommendations for intake.

The National Institute of Health's Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet offers information on where to find sources of vitamin D, from food such as fish and milk, to sun exposure and dietary supplements.

While sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, natural foods are the recommended way to safely absorb the most vitamins. Click here to find out which foods contain vitamin D.

For ideas on how to incorporate vitamin D in your diet, check outthese recipes for dishes such as Cajun Salmon and Chocolate-Mint Pudding, which are loaded with Vitamin D.

eMedicineHealth.com offers an overview of the role vitamin D plays in your health, preventing against diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes and more.

Did you know that certain age groups are at particular risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Can vitamin D really help prevent cancer or heart disease? Should I considering take a vitamin D supplement? This Harvard School of Public Health page answers the most common questions about vitamin D intake.

Chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society Dr. Len Lichtenfeld wrote a blog on the relationship between vitamin D and the risk of cancer.

While studies have shown many benefits of vitamin D intake, you should be aware that there are health risks connected to excessive intake of vitamin D.