Vitamin D has been a popular topic in nutrition this past year because people who have low levels of vitamin D also tend to have a greater risk of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease - mostly found in older adults. But a recent study also shows that breast-fed babies are very likely to be deficient because human milk to normally low in vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy bone development so babies who do not get enough may have weaker bones.

The human body makes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. How much sunlight do you need? A few minutes of sun exposure two or three times per week is probably sufficient for most of us. People who avoid sunlight, always use sunscreen, or have darker skin can take vitamin D supplements or consume foods such as milk and cereals that are fortified with vitamin D.

Just keep in mind that when you take vitamin D supplements, more is not necessarily better. Vitamin D is toxic is massive amounts because your body can store it fairly well. Just take the amount stated on the bottle, or talk to a healthcare provider first.

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You might have read about good carbs vs. bad carbs and good fats vs. bad fats, but what about protein? Not so many articles talk about good proteins vs. bad proteins. That's probably because the proteins that are found in the foods you eat are all pretty similar. Your body will happily break most of the the proteins down into their tiniest components, which are then used to make new proteins in your body.

So what makes a protein source healthy? The fats that naturally accompany the protein and the cooking methods you use to prepare your them. So, baked salmon is a terrific protein source, but a fish stick isn't.

Not all of the best protein sources come from animals. Nuts, seeds and legumes, such a soybeans and dry beans are good protein sources too. Learn more about what makes a protein source healthy.

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• Meats and Proteins
• Proteins for Vegans
• Good Fish, Bad Fish

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The US government will now allow food producers to use radiation on lettuce and spinach to kill E. coli and other germs that cause food-borne illness in humans.

Irradiation can be an effective means of reducing food-borne bacteria by briefly exposing foods to a radiant energy source like gamma rays or electron beams. Irradiation has been safely used on meat such as beef and poultry for awhile, but food producers have thought that irradiation might leave greens a little wilted.

The FDA, the AMA, WHO and other organizations support irradiation of foods, stating that it is both safe and effective. Since spinach has been linked to several E. coli outbreaks, it makes sense to step up food safety to prevent any more outbreaks. Some consumers don't trust the use of radiation on food, though, seeing it as another scary modification of a healthy food. What do you think -- safe or scary?

Poll:Do you think irradiation of foods is safe?

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In the last couple of years we have had bans on sodas in schools and a ban on trans fats in New York City. Last month the city council of Los Angeles decided to prevent new fast food restaurants from opening in one of the poorer neighborhoods, South Los Angeles.

City council members believe this will help keep the number of fast food restaurants from overtaking the neighborhood and allow residents to have more healthy restaurant options. Critics say it is unfair to dictate what people can or cannot eat and some believe it is wrong to assume that people who live in poorer neighborhoods may be intellectually incapable of making good decisions about food and health.

Personally, I support the bans on sodas in schools in the US and trans fats in New York City, but this one makes me a little uneasy. While it wouldn't break my heart to see fast food restaurants banned everywhere, the idea of only choosing specific neighborhoods worries me a bit.

Tell me what you think.

Poll:Do you support the fast food ban in South Los Angeles?

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• No
• Not sure
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