March 9 declared ''Vitamin D Day''

WASHINGTON The National Milk Mustache “got milk?” campaign has declared March 9 a day to recognize the importance of vitamin D.

Though the body makes its own vitamin D when the sun’s ultraviolet rays hit the skin, many Americans fail to get enough of the nutrient, and vitamin D deficiency has been called a silent epidemic, resulting partially from sunscreen, sun-blocking pollution and winters spent indoors.

“It’s alarming to see so many people fail to get enough vitamin D, especially when milk is such an easy and convenient source of this essential nutrient,” Food Network host Ellie Krieger said in a statement.

Milk is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, with 1 cup providing 25% of the daily value of the nutrient, according to the National Institutes of Health. A tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 340%, while fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines provide between 50% and 90%.

The Milk Processor Education Program is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk.