Question:

Is it still important to take vitamin D in the summer?

Dr. Frank Silva’s Answer:

As you know vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin.  When our skin is exposed to sunlight we naturally make vitamin D.  If we were sun tanning on the beach in the Caribbean we could make 1000 IU of vitamin D in just 20 minutes! However, there are a few reasons why we don’t make as much vitamin D in the summer months as we would like to:

1)      Intensity of sunlight: here in Canada, or further from the equator, the sunlight is not as intense as it would be in the Caribbean; so we require more exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D.

2)      We wear more clothes when we’re not on the beach! Wearing pants reduces our exposure by 50% and wearing a short sleeved shirt leaves only our arms and head exposed, which makes up about 25% of the surface area of our skin.

3)      Sunscreen… most of us apply sunscreen to protect us from the sun.  Sunscreen also prevents the body from using sunlight to make vitamin D.

For these reasons, you might want to continue taking vitamin D throughout the summer months.

The “Father’s Day Giveaway” includes:
1 x bottle (120 caps) Supreme Multi without iron
1 x box (12 packets) Energy Boost
1 x bottle (60 caps) Prostate Formula

NOTE: Contest is open to Canadian residents only ( including Quebec).  All entrants must be 18 years or older.  Contest will run from June 13th 2013 to June 19th 2013 at 11:00pm Pacific Time.   Winner will be chosen via random number generator.

Here’s How You Enter!

(Mandatory Entry)

1. Post a comment below with a positive trait your Dad has/or had (1 entry per household)

(Bonus Entry)

2. Post a message on our wall on Facebook, telling us a supplement you take on a regular basis.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of ohsheglows.com

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular bread, look no further than this recipe for Chia Bread. Its gluten-free, filled with flavor, and would be a great alternative to bread or crackers. Give it a try, and report back!

Should I be taking a Calcium supplement and how much is enough?

Dr. Frank Silva’s Answer:

Calcium, through diet and supplement intake, is delivered to your bones with the help of Vitamin D.  Once it arrives, calcium works to increase the strength and density of your bones.  The bulk of bone development (when calcium absorption is at its peak) happens in our adolescent years.  After that, we tend to see a decline in bone calcium levels as your body regularly uses calcium to support heart and nervous tissue.  The end result is usually low calcium and sometimes Osteoporosis… Unless you take steps to prevent calcium deficiency.

Experts agree that everyone, regardless of age should be getting their calcium.  Teens require the highest amount, about 1300mg per day and adults require 1000mg.  Several foods that are rich in calcium include dairy products, nuts and seeds, and leafy green vegetables.  However, meeting calcium targets on a daily basis with diet alone can prove to be tedious.  Taking a calcium supplement in addition to a healthy diet, is the simplest way to ensure optimal calcium levels.  And don’t forget your Vitamin D!