It takes more than a little sunshine to correct a vitamin D deficiency.

“Clearly solar exposure is an influence — there is no doubt about that — but you cannot predictably say that a certain amount of exposure will normalize vitamin D deficiency,” said Dr. Gallo, chief of dermatology and professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, in an interview with Medscape Medical News.

Food sources such as sardines with the skin and bones, eggs with yolks, and beef liver among a few others.

A supplement may be necessary if you can’t consume a diet rich in vitamin D.

Screening for deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D is easily done in your doctor’s office.

Your physician can recommend the best supplement for you.