Discussing Vitamin D

contributed by Danielle Karsies, Pharm.D. and Emily Mackler, Pharm.D., Symptom Management and Supportive Care Program

Vitamin D is the media darling of the supplement world: Studies have linked it to lowering the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. But is it hype? Or should you be paying more attention to your vitamin D intake?

For most people, the recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 15 mcg or 600 IU per day, according to pharmacist Emily Mackler and registered dietitian Danielle Karsies, both of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center's Symptom Management & Supportive Care Program. The best way to get it is to eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks or milk fortified with the vitamin.

To learn more about the potential of vitamin D and whether you should be taking a supplement, view the video.