There are many health benefits of vitamin D, and as mentioned in previous blog entries, I recommend we get it from sunlight. However, when this is not practical, a vitamin D supplement may be a strategy to ensure adequate levels. But what vitamin D supplement is best?
Since a large body of science shows that vitamin D works closely with calcium and magnesium, it is best to take vitamin D in combination with calcium and magnesium to maintain a proper balance. Recent literature shows that most calcium supplements have too little vitamin D to be effective. And some of them use synthetic vitamin D2. A much better form is natural vitamin D3, which stays in your system longer and with greater effect.
How do you maintain healthy levels of vitamin D?
How much D should we be taking daily?
Most adults are woefully short on their Vitamin D requirements. Always check with your physician for specific dosages. Dr. Perricone recommends taking Vitamin D in combination with calcium and magnesium to maintain proper balance. The form of the Vitamin D also matters- look for Vitamin D3 which stays in your system longer. Also, look to spend 15 minutes a day in the sun without sunscreen to help your body increase its natural production of vitamin D.
If my memory serves me right, we should be eating plenty of potatoes to ensure we have a healthy dosage of vitamin D in our body, and preferably mashed potatoes with no added oils, butters or margarines.
Is this information still correct with everything we know today?
Hi Z. While potatoes do have some nutritious aspects, they are very high on the glycemic index which can lead to cellular inflammation. There are other excellent choices of Vitamin D rich foods that rank lower on the glycemic index such as shiitake mushrooms, cold water fish, shrimp and dairy products.