As Winter Approaches, Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency...( The 'Sunshine Vitamin' is Cri...),Health

The 'Sunshine Vitamin' is Critical during the Winter Season

NORTH BERGEN, N.J., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- With days growing shorter and cold weather approaching, many Americans will not be getting the necessary levels of vitamin D in the coming months, a deficiency that could put them at higher risk for such serious illnesses as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression and osteoporosis.

"Sunshine is a significant source of vitamin D," said Christiane Wert Rivard, a Registered Dietitian at The Vitamin Shoppe. "The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. However, as we head into these colder and darker months, it's essential to increase your intake of vitamin D since time spent outside is limited."

Vitamin D deficiency is believed to be an all too common problem that has received inadequate attention given the important role the vitamin plays in preventing disease.

Until recently, the "sunshine vitamin" was mostly known for improving bone health, but a number of recent studies have shown that its benefits go far beyond preventing bone loss. A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that vitamin D may actually help you live longer. Recent studies have also linked vitamin D deficiencies to higher risk of cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis; and still other studies have found the vitamin could play a role in reducing heart disease and preventing pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

"In addition to sunlight, another great source of vitamin D is fortified foods, such as milk and ready-to-eat cereals but many people just don't have the time to eat right," said Rivard. "Taking a vitamin D supplement is a great way to get more D in your diet, and now these supplements are available in a variety of forms designed to suit virtually every need."

The Vitamin Shoppe has identified the latest trends in vitamin D products:

Trend #1 - Vitamin D of the sea

Cod liver oil is a great
'/>"/>