This study confirms similar findings from a study back in 2001.

It’s clear that we need exposure to sunshine if we hope to improve our health. This is a vitally important piece of information. Remember that this is the time of year that you will want to make sure you get as much regular sun exposure as you can--WITHOUT burning--to optimize your vitamin D levels.

Not only will it decrease your risk of autoimmune disease and cancer, but it will also lower your infant’s risk of diabetes substantially.

Exposure to the sun is a far more preferable way to receive your vitamin D than taking it from a pill or liquid. If you don't have any other choice, then by all means use a vitamin D supplement or cod liver oil, but it is extremely important to have your vitamin D levels checked to avoid toxicity. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin D because it provides you with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids with DHA and EPA, which play a pivotal role in preventing heart disease and cancer and has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Without question, cod liver oil, is the most economical way to obtain omega-3 fats, it is less expensive than liquid fish oil. However, cod liver oil does have vitamin D which is wonderful. My guess is that most of you reading this still need cod liver oil in the summer, especially if you are not receiving regular doses of sunshine every day. But please remember that vitamin D can certainly be toxic if you consume too much cod liver oil. So now is the time to seriously consider actually measuring your vitamin D levels Without question though, the best way to raise your vitamin D level is to have regular (daily preferable) to the sun on as much uncovered skin as possible. Just walking outside in a long sleeved shirt and pants will not cut it.

When choosing your cod liver oil, it is important to remember that not all brands are the same. In my research--and in my clinical experience with my patients--I have found:

1. That certain brands definitely seem inferior to others
2. That the Carlson's brand of cod liver oil is of an exceptional quality and purity

It is likely not the only brand in the world of such high quality, but up to this point it is the only one of such quality that I can recommend, so I now carry the Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil on Mercola.com; you can also check your local health food store to see if they carry it.

Related Articles:

Breakthrough Updates You Need to Know on Vitamin D

Vitamin D for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Vitamin D Is Not A Vitamin But A Steroid Hormone Precursor

Vitamin D Gene Variant Linked to Breast Cancer

Up to 70 Percent of Americans May be Deficient in Vitamin D--Find Out Why You Don’t Want to be One of Them

Why Vitamin D Protects You Against Cancer