Photo by Zanastardust

Miracle supplements are nothing new. Every few years, it seems some new vitamin is crowned the king of optimum living. (Remember vitamin E? How about the recent clamoring for Omega fatty acids?)

The latest must-have vitamin isn’t anything crazy fancy. It’s the humble (but essential) vitamin D. Touted as everything from a cure for the common cold to miracle cancer fighter, the so-called “sunshine vitamin” is making a comeback as the immune booster dujour.

What the heck is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is used by the body to control the levels of calcium and phosphorus in our bloodstreams. Commonly found in fortified foods, our bodies actually synthesize vitamin D naturally – our skin reacts to the sun’s ultraviolet rays by producing the required amount  in about 15 minutes or so.

However, the threat of skin cancer and cloudy northern climates means most folks aren’t making vitamin D like they used to. And because Canadians don’t get much sun exposure over our long winters, many people are actually deficient, especially people of color.

Why do we need vitamin D?

The most basic explanation for why we need vitamin D is that it keeps your bones and other bone-like things (read: teeth) in shape. But there are more reasons to make sure you’re topped up on it. Without it, you could be at greater risk for osteoporosis and cancer.  Oh, and heart disease.

Where can I get vitamin D?

According to Health Canada, adults should be getting between 200-400 IUs of vitamin D on a daily basis.

If going outside isn’t your thing, vitamin D can be found in fortified soy milk, margarine, and other foods, such as mushrooms. Still, you may find it helpful to take the vitamin in supplemental form. A word to the wise: Read the labels. Vitamin D2 is usually vegan friendly, whereas D3 can be derived from animal sources, like fish or sheep’s oil (aka lanolin).