Good Sources of Vitamin D

Suggested Anchor Introduction

Besides brightening your day, a little ray of sunshine helps keep you healthy. New Mexico State University's Anna María Pérez-Wright explains.

Story

Click to Listen:

New Mexicans are fortunate to have sunny winter days, because exposure to sunlight is an important source of Vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium and build strong bones. Food and nutrition specialist Martha Archuleta with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service says ultraviolet rays from sunlight trigger Vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

"But a lot of times people that are older, particularly if they're not getting out of the house as much, they're probably not getting adequate Vitamin D synthesis. So an easy way to ensure that they're getting enough Vitamin D is to take a One-A-Day-type supplement."

According to the National Institutes of Health, fatty fish and fish oils naturally contain significant amounts of Vitamin D. Four cups of Vitamin-D fortified milk will provide a full-day's supply of this vitamin. But products made from milk, such as cheese, yogurt and ice cream are generally not fortified with Vitamin D. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.