Unfortunately, concerns about children not getting the minimum amount of vitamin D they need to build healthy bones were more than warranted, based on the findings of a new study that recommends serious increases in the average daily intake of the sunshine vitamin during the winter months, especially for black men and women.
Scientists from the University of California-Davis made those recommendations after studying 72 patients for up to eight weeks in Northern California during each of the four seasons over the course of a year.
To achieve the right amount of vitamin D, light-skinned people of European ancestry who enjoy high sun exposure require 1,300 IU (international units) every day during the winter months. Conversely, blacks with low sun exposure need anywhere from 2,100-3,100 IU daily throughout the year, according to the study.
NutraIngredients-USA.com January 14, 2010