Final answer:
To increase their vitamin D intake, a patient should be recommended to drink milk, as it is fortified with about 100 IU of vitamin D per 8-ounce glass. Milk also offers other essential nutrients and contributes to the recommended daily dairy servings.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant reviewing a daily diet for a patient would recommend milk to help increase their intake of vitamin D. In the United States, vitamin D is commonly added to milk, which makes it an excellent source for improving vitamin D levels. An 8-ounce glass of milk is fortified with about 100 IU of vitamin D, contributing towards the recommended daily intake for teenagers, which is 5 micrograms (200 IU). Although fatty fish like salmon and tuna are naturally rich in vitamin D, milk is more readily available and is a part of the recommended two to three servings from the dairy group per day. It also provides essential nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), protein, and vitamins A and D.
It is important to note that vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods and is crucial for enhancing the absorption of calcium from the intestine, maintaining a normal concentration of calcium in the body. For those who lack exposure to sufficient sunlight, which can trigger the skin to produce its own vitamin D, fortified foods like milk and cereals are valuable dietary sources.