Vitamin D May Help Prevent Diabetes

According to a study published at WebMD.com, one of the key nutrients found in milk may help reduce the risk of diabetes. Milk is fortified with vitamin D, a supplement that researchers at Tufts Medical Center in Boston have found may help prevent diabetes in people who are at a high risk of developing the disease.

Anastassios Pittas, MD of Tufts Medical Center told WebMD in a study of more than 2,000 people with pre-diabetes conditions, those with a higher level of vitamin D in their blood showed a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Researchers warn the study is still preliminary, so no need to overstock your supply of vitamin D pills just yet. 

People who are lactose intolerant in search of more vitamin D in their diets can always find it in salmon, mackerel and in that dreaded old time medicinal formula known as Cod Liver Oil. Yuck!  

So, how about a better alternative?  Go outside and enjoy a little sunshine. Sunlight exposure helps our bodies produce vitamin D naturally. All the more reason to hit the beach this summer, but be sure to bring lots of sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB rays.