Unfortunately, rickets is actually on the rise in the United States due to inadequate intake of vitamin D. Dubbed the "Sunshine" vitamin because our bodies can produce this substance when our skin is exposed to the sun, vitamin D plays a vital role in preventing the childhood bone disease, rickets. For most people, spending just 10-15 minutes in the sun, where the sun's rays can reach the face, hands and arms without being blocked by sunscreen, is enough time to cause this healthful reaction to occur in the body. But, those who live in Northern climates, have dark skin, work long hours inside office buildings or wear clothing that covers most of the skin can be at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D not only prevents rickets, but it's thought to reduce the risk of breast, colon and prostate cancers and play a preventative role in multiple sclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Dairy Council of California.

According to experts, the recommended amount of vitamin D for children and adults up to age 50 is 200 International Units (IU) a day. Many scientists believe that this amount is much too low, especially for aging adults. Food Business News reported on September 1, 2009 that a meta-analysis soon to be published provides evidence that the recommendation level of vitamin D for the elderly may need to increase (http://foodbusinessnews.net).

The good news is that there are many dietary sources of vitamin D.  Fortified milk and yogurt and oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are good sources. In fact, if you are under the age of 50, you will reach your daily goal by drinking two cups of vitamin D fortified milk. Other foods such as orange juice, margarine and breakfast cereals are often fortified with vitamin D.