Vitamin D 'the key to good health'
People who regularly take vitamin D can find that the substance is naturally beneficial in a number of ways and can lead to a longer life, according to one expert.
Professor Reinhold Vieth, from the University of Toronto's department of laboratory medicine and patho-biology, told the Financial Times that the natural product can help to prevent conditions ranging from osteoporosis to cancer, but governments are not recommending a high enough daily average dosage.
The expert explained that current recommendations are "outrageously low" as the further people live away from the equator, the more vitamin D they need, because they are not exposed to as much sun, which causes the body's production of the substance.
A study at the University of Maine last year suggested that vitamin D can have substantial anti-cancer effects, but only when taken in volumes of over 1,000 international units (IUs) a day, not the currently recommended 200 IUs for people aged under 50.
For now, Professor Vieth told the newspaper that he will "follow vitamin D wherever it goes" and hopes governments will realise that higher daily doses could potentially save lives.
By Jake Slazenger
More Natural Beauty foods News
-
Superfoods 'are a simple way to boost health'
27 Jan, 2012 Superfoods offer several health benefits and are increasingly simple to incorporate into a diet, it has been claimed. -
Rose hips boost vitamin C, expert states
23 Jan, 2012 Rose hips have been revealed as one of the best superfoods for boosting vitamin C intake. -
Tips on new year detoxing
16 Jan, 2012 As the new year gets underway many people are likely to be considering starting a detox after overindulging during the festive period. -
Eating organic can help boost health, expert claims
13 Jan, 2012 Using natural cosmetics is not the only way to boost beauty and health, as one expert has recommended switching to organic foods. -
Nutrient-rich foods described as the key to good health
06 Jan, 2012 Individuals may want to increase their intake of superfoods, as the importance of eating produce that is high in natural nutrients has been highlighted.
