I recently attended a webinar by one of the world’s experts in Vitamin D research, Dr Michael Holick. Aside from Vitamin D’s role in bone health, it appears it is also crucial for cancer prevention, a healthy immune system, and cardiovascular health.

He recommends asking your physician to test your blood level of Vitamin D by asking for a “25 hydroxyvitamin D assay.” The optimal blood level is 30-60 ng/ml.

Sunlight provides the best source of vitamin D but because no one above 35 N latitude can make vitamin D in the winter, he recommends taking a vitamin D supplement. He personally takes 1000 IU, which is what he recommends for everyone except obese people and African Americans who need at least 2000 IU.

During the spring and summer months he recommends getting 20-30 minutes of sun exposure to your arms and legs before applying your sunscreen.

He reported on a new study which found 40-60% of people who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia were Vitamin D deficient. After treatment with Vitamin D, their symptoms disappeared.

For those who are interested in more information, Dr. Holick’s website is www.vitamindhealth.org