Extending DST will promote healthy bones.

• Position: Daylight saving time - Brief article

Beginning in 2007, daylight savings time will be extended by almost a month. This additional amount of daylight may help extend the life and health of people's teeth and bones since vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," is made by the body through casual and minimal sun exposure.

Vitamin D is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones, advises Charles Hildebolt, Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. "Both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone resorption," he says. "Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well recognized symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for periodontal diseases."

Research consistantly has shown that the best means of obtaining the required amount of vitamin D is from sunshine. Season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud...