What Does It Do?
- Helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus
- Aids in bone strengthening by helping deposit these minerals into your bones
- Helps maintain blood levels of calcium and phosphorus
- Helps support a healthy immune system
How Much Do We Need?
The dietary reference intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 600 IU (15 µg) of vitamin D per day. Because vitamin D is found in relatively few foods, but has so many important functions, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that pregnant and lactating women consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 2000 IU/day. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about what supplement is appropriate for you.
Where Can I Get It?
Your skin makes vitamin D from exposure to sunlight in the summer months. Vitamin D occurs naturally in only a few foods (fish, sun dried shiitake mushrooms) so it's best to look for foods that have been fortified with vitamin D:
- Fortified cow’s milk
- Fortified orange juice
- Fortified soy beverages
- Margarine
Related Link
Learn More About The Canadian Paediatric Society Recommendations for Vitamin D
