Are you getting enough vitamin D?

In the sea of vitamins you can find at any pharmacy or drug store, vitamin D is one that should be in most shopping baskets. With ongoing research in the area of several diseases, and evidence that it helps boost the health of bones and teeth, Health Canada currently recommends daily intake levels. I was personally thrilled to find a chewy chocolate supplement that lets me fulfill my daily needs while sneaking in a little pleasure. Call it multitasking at its best!

Vitamin D supplements are one way to increase your daily intake levels.

When it comes to vitamin D, don’t overlook your diet. You can get it in food sources like egg yolks, cheese, beef liver and milk. One of the best ways to eat your vitamin D is through fatty fish, like salmon, tuna and mackerel. In fact, one serving will provide you with about half of your recommended daily intake. And fortified beverages, like orange juice and soy milk, are easy ways to meet your requirements.

Just be careful not to overdo a good thing. Health Canada warns to stay within recommended levels to avoid possible adverse effects, as too much can affect the kidneys, heart, lungs and blood vessels. So while a little is good, more isn’t necessarily better (even if it comes in a chocolate version).

To see if you’re getting enough, check out the Health Canada website. And for more on dietary sources of vitamin D, go to the Dietitians of Canada website.