With our nutrition expert, Brennan J. Robertson Ask Brennan J. Robertson a question about nutrition Question Archive What are good dietary sources of Vitamin D? Brennan J. Robertson's Response

Vitamin D has been the focus of a great deal of media attention lately with recent findings suggesting that those that are deficient in the sunshine vitamin may be at a higher risk of developing colon and breast cancer. Low levels of vitamin D also appear to be associated with a higher risk of heart attack in men. In light of its apparent health benefits, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends that non-white adults take 1,000 IU daily year round. White adults are recommended to take that same amount in fall and winter, when less daylight causes a decline in our bodies' production of vitamin D.

The Dietary Reference Intake for adequate intake (AI) of Vitamin D for infants, children, men, and women aged 19 to 50 is 5 µg/day (200 IU/day). Because there are few natural sources of dietary vitamin D, often limited to fatty fish such as salmon and fish liver oils, most of the vitamin D intake in developed countries is from fortified foods such as milk, soy milk, and breakfast cereals. Mushrooms have been shown recently to provide vitamin D if exposed to UV light after being harvested, and eggs contain small amounts as well.

Ask Brennan J. Robertson a question about nutrition

Nutrition Question Archives

A friend told me that a vitamin D supplement will help in avoiding the winter blues. Is this true? Are bananas fattening? Are pineapples high in calories? Are there any foods I should be eating more of to ward off the common cold? Can you explain to me the difference between "good" carbs and "bad" carbs? Do fruits and vegetables have protein? Hello Brennan! I have type 2 diabetes, and I'm wondering if all the hype about vitamin supplementation is in fact beneficial for my condition? How beneficial is the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet? I am a student on a low budget. How can I eat healthy? I currently take a water pill daily and I am concerned about the amount of potassium my body is losing as a result of taking this pill. What fruits and vegetables with high levels of potassium should I be eating more of to offset this loss? I have been considering the benefits of a dietary detox. What can you tell me about body cleanses? I have known about the benefits of drinking gogi juice but just recently heard of the açai berry. What is it and how would it benefit my health? I want to start taking an omega-3 supplement as I don't like fish. You had recommended one with a high EPA. How high should I go, and can you recommend a brand? I'm new to supplements! Is honey a good substitute for sugar for a person with diabetes? My daughter has colitis and has been advised to follow a low-fibre diet. Which foods should she eat and which should she avoid? My New Year's resolution is to take better care of my body. Is there anything you can suggest to kick start a year of healthy living? My sister has liver disease. Is there a certain diet she should follow? My son has been drinking a juice that claims to be loaded with adaptogens. What are adaptogens and are they safe to take? What are probiotics and should I be taking them regularly? What exercises will help me build upper arms after losing 20 pounds over one year? I golf and bike from April to November, then walk every day during the inclement weather. What foods are good for someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and which foods should be avoided? What is organic produce and is it more nutritious than conventional produce?

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