Before jumping on a health-craze bandwagon, it’s important to understand how thorough the research really is. If you think something is a good idea and want to try it, consider doing those things that are both good for you anyway and which act on the health interest.

This week, do things to boost your levels of vitamin D that are already good for you. Try these three tips:

1. Consider getting 10-15 minutes of daily sun in non-peak hours without sun protection.  If you have a history (whether personal or familial) of skin cancer, you may wish to discuss this with your health care provider.

2. Try eating more fatty fish, egg yolks, and foods fortified with vitamin D.

3. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin that already has the prescribed amount of vitamin D in it.  The National Academy of Sciences currently recommends 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for adults up to age 50. For adults older than age 50, the recommendation increases to 400 to 600 IU a day. However, many researchers now question whether these levels are adequate and assert that a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU would benefit many people.  Before taking more than the recommended amount, be sure to check with your health care provider.  As we have found in studies of other vitamins and minerals, there are concerns that high doses do more harm than good.

Learn more about the research surrounding vitamin D in this week’s Feed Your Life.

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.