What’s your Vitamin D IQ?

It’s also referred to as the “Sunshine Vitamin.” Do you know why?

Photo courtesy of maco

Here's a quiz to find out how much you know about vitamin D and why it’s an important part of a well-balanced diet and a Healthy Lifestyle:

1. The main function of vitamin D is to keep bones and teeth healthy.

True or false?

2. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

True or false?

3. Exposing the body to sunlight cause it to produce vitamin D.

True or false?

4. Fish and fish oils are among the few foods that contain significant amounts of vitamin D.

True or false?

5. When the body lacks sufficient vitamin D, it can develop rickets.

True or false?

6. It is not possible to get too much vitamin D.

True or false?

7. A recent study shows that people who get enough vitamin D are about 60 percent less likely to develop certain cancers.

True or false?

8. People who get enough vitamin D have fewer problems with rheumatoid arthritis.

True or false?

Source: Vegetarian Times, July/August 2007

Answers: 1) True; 2) True; 3) True; 4) True; 5) True; 6) False; 7) True; 8) True

Now, go out and get some sun-in moderation, of course. In Southern California today, it was in the 80s, and on the East Coast there’s currently an Indian summer.

So, take advantage of it, and if you don’t live anywhere it is sunny, make sure you get plenty of rest, vitamins—including Vitamin B, plan your healthy meals in advance, and of course, get plenty of exercise.

Walk, swim, dance, hike, or just relax in the sun, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

Comment by Eve on January 14, 2008 at 9:58am: I learned about vitamin D the hard way. I had hyperparathyroidism. Result: high levels of calcium in blood and urine, none in bones. The treatment of this dysfunction included vitamin D supplements. At one point my doctor told me I could skip the supplements if I would sunbathe nude. (It was a joke.) One thing I have learned is that you need some exposure to the sun without a sunblock. DON'T OVERDO THIS. The sunblocks are so good at blocking the sun that they can also interfere with the production of vitamin D.

Comment by Sue Bunn on January 14, 2008 at 1:49pm: One problem that people have today is that they bath too much, washing the natural oils off their skin. This makes it harder for our bodies to be able to absorb the Vit. D that is there for us. Using a natural oil or body lotion helps. Maybe we should bathe only every second day. ~ I would find that hard!