Vitamin D days are here again

Summer is here. Beach holidays are being planned, and many of us may be hoping to sit out in the warm sun and top up our vitamin D levels.  Or are we?  Whether due to an indoor lifestyle, cultural dress, a fear of burning or skin ageing, many people are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D can be found in some food such as eggs and fortified foods.  There is evidence that exposing mushrooms to sunlight increases the levels of vitamin D they contain. Indeed, one supermarket in the UK already sells vitamin D enhanced mushrooms. However, for most of us, vitamin D intake from food is limited. The main source of Vitamin D for most of us is sunshine.  Vitamin D is synthesized in our skin from the UVB rays from sunlight.  If we do not get sufficient sunlight, we can become vitamin D deficient.  But is vitamin D deficiency really a problem?Vitamin D is involved in calcium homeostasis, therefore is vital for bone health.  Deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) and increased risk of osteoporosis in adults1.  This relationship is well understood however the beneficial effects of vitamin D for overall health are thought to go way beyond bones. One meta-analysis reviewed 18 randomised control trials (RCTs).  The review reported that ordinary doses of vitamin D supplements (400 - 800 IU per day) reduces all-cause mortality in subjects over 50 years old2.  Additionally, analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) sh...
Source: The Nutrition Society - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: news