Vitamin D for Dummies (Paperback)

Introduction 1

Part I: The Life History of Vitamin D 5

Chapter 1: The Essentials of Vitamin D 7

Chapter 2: Finding Out If You Have Enough Vitamin D 21

Chapter 3: Considering Calcium 43

Part II: Key Roles of Vitamin D 55

Chapter 4: Facilitating Bone Growth and Strength 57

Chapter 5: Protecting the Immune System 79

Chapter 6: Preventing Cancer .99

Chapter 7: Safeguarding Your Heart 123

Chapter 8: Avoiding Diabetes and Related Conditions 137

Chapter 9: Looking at Other Possible Functions of Vitamin D 155

Chapter 10: Furthering Science’s Knowledge of Vitamin D 173

Part III: Getting Enough 179

Chapter 11: Getting Vitamin D from the Sun 181

Chapter 12: Getting Vitamin D from Food 201

Chapter 13: Getting Vitamin D from Supplements 211

Chapter 14: Appreciating Special Needs in Pregnant Women and the Elderly 221

Part IV: The Part of Tens 235

Chapter 15: Ten Myths Regarding Vitamin D 237

Chapter 16: Ten Possible New Functions of Vitamin D 247

Index 255