Public Health Scene

At least 60 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. That’s according to a survey of blood tests by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The percentage could be higher in Minnesota and other northern climates because exposure to the sun is one way that our body generates vitamin D. But, obviously, sun exposure in northern climates such as Minnesota is in limited supply.

But given that this is National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, University of Minnesota nutritionist Kim Robien recommends against sun exposure and instead offers advice on how to boost your vitamin D level through diet and/or supplements. She also explains the importance of vitamin D to our health.

Listen to Robien on Public Health Moment from the University of Minnesota