The Sunshine Vitamin: Vitamin D

Long grey winter days rob you of the important vitamin source found naturally through the sun's rays. Vitamin D is the Sunshine Vitamin! How can you help your children and grandchildren make the most of limited winter sunlight? Take them outside, even if just for a few minutes..
A sunny day in mid-winter is a gift. It is worth the extra effort to get children bundled up for ten to fifteen minute fresh air breaks when there is so much benefit. Taking children out even for short time helps them absorb Vitamin D, get a little exercise and reduce stress. Vitamin D helps strengthen and promote bone health and fights against depression. Don't forget the sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UV rays.

Because 90% of the Vitamin D our bodies make comes from sunlight, where should we get Vitamin D on those mostly cloudy days? Eating certain foods can contribute much of the required daily amount of 600 IUs. Fortified milk, yogurt, salmon and many other food sources provide this vitamin.

Find out all about our need for Vitamin D and learn about its sources in this wonderful website: d sunshine vitamin. You can also listen to the Learning Through the Seasons podcast from WNMU Radio 90 at: www.wnmufm.org/post/vitamin-d.