Second Opinion "Vitamin D"

Pictured: Second Opinion host Dr. Peter Salgo

As little as 10 minutes of sun exposure a day can prevent Vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.  Vitamin D aids in the body’s absorption of calcium, contributing to bone health.  Vitamin D research suggests that Vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis, hypertension, some forms of cancer, and particular autoimmune diseases.  Vitamin D deficiency is increasing, and is thought to contribute to health problems such as osteomalacia.

The sun can be a major source of Vitamin D, as your body makes it during sun exposure.   Some foods are also fortified with Vitamin D (milk), and other foods are a good source of natural Vitamin D (fish, eggs).  Vitamin D supplements are also readily available. Learn what Vitamin D deficiency means to overall health in Second Opinion "Vitamin D" airing Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 3 p.m.  on WXXI-TV.

Second Opinion is made possible in part by support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), which has been the major funder since the series’ inception in 2004.