Give Me A D!

For those of you who know me well, know I love healthy eating and taking my vitamins. I really believe in the benefits that great vitamins can play in our health. We can't always control what we eat and making sure we get all of the nutrients we need from food, that's why we need to take our vitamins.

Here is some great info on Vitamin D from the RealAge doctors:

Wouldn't it be great to have balance-beam-worthy body control? This nutrient could help: vitamin D. Vitamin D may not turn you into Shawn Johnson, but as you age, it may give you a leg up when it comes to keeping your balance, your grip strength, and your foot speed.

Dangers of D-ficiency

A lack of vitamin D is actually fairly common in the United States; up to 40 percent of people may not be getting enough. And shortfalls increase with age. Not good, because a study recently revealed that people 65 and older who are low on D do poorly on tests of handgrip strength, walking speed, balance, and the ability to stand up from a seated position. More research is needed, but scientists feel there is already enough evidence of vitamin D’s positive effect on muscle strength to warrant being on D alert. (Get the lowdown on all of D's benefits with this tool.)

Where to Get Yours

You can get your D from the sun and from food (including fortified foods), but most people need a supplement to get enough, especially as winter sun rays get weaker.If you're thinking of getting what you need from milk, read this article first.

Want to read about even more benefits from D, such as lowering the risks of MS, click here?