Vitamin D discussion

During the daily roll call today there was some mention about Vit D and the sun. I like many Americans am deficient in Vit D. In addition to my multi and cal citrate I take an addition 2000IU a day under my doctor's orders.

I came across a lot  intersting facts about Vit D today:

1. Vit D should be taken with calcium.
2. Mineral oil can interfere with Vit D absorbtion.
3. Some meds like cortisone & other steroids can interfere with Vit D absorbtion.
4. Diruetic drugs can upset the calcium/Vit D ration in your body.
5. If you have liver problems, gall bladder disease or gastro disorders you should reasses your Vit D needs.
6. Gastric bypass patients should take dry D3 not capsules. (This is my info)
7. For a good natural dose of Vit D forego sunscreen for at least 15 minutes, 3 days a week.
8. The sun does not "give" you Vit D, but the sun helps your skin produce Vit D by exposure to it.
9. Vit D is produced by the skin in response to sunlight.
10. Most Americans are deficient in Vit D due to the use of sunscreens, air conditioning,the transition from manual labor jobs outside to office work.
11. Vit D rich foods - egg yolks, fish liver oil, dandelion greens, sweet potatoes, salmon, shrimp, Vit d enriched milk, cod, tuna, sardines, breakfast cereal (fortified types), soyy milk, orange juice . . .  here is a site that has a great list  . . .
http://www.nutritiondata.com/foods-000102000000000000000-1.h tml?

I have gathered a lot of this info over time since I was diagnosed wth having llow Vit D levels. Here are a few web sites that you might find doing a Google search:

http://www.womens-health-symmetry.com/vitamin-d.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4541_absorb-vitamin-d.html

This link from Whole Foods has a boat load of info, far too much for me to relay here.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=110


Chris