VITAMINS
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that contributes to healthy bones, teeth and immune system. It also helps our muscles function properly and aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our bodies. Vitamin D is often called 'the sunshine vitamin', because our skin produces it when it reacts with sunlight. But unless we spend time in the sun, most of us probably don't get enough of it on a daily basis & none at all between October and March, so it's better to rely on food and top up with supplements.
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Regardless of age, vitamin D is needed for the maintenance of normal bones, because it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It supports the proper functioning of muscles. It also aids in the process of cell division, which helps our bodies grow and repair themselves. Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against germs and harmful bacteria.
Sunlight is the most plentiful natural source of vitamin D. There are very few naturally occurring dietary sources of vitamin D. Exceptions to this are cod liver oil and oily fish (like salmon and swordfish), which are all rich sources of the vitamin. Most often, we consume vitamin D via fortified foods such as milk, yoghurt, margarine, orange juice and breakfast cereals.
Adults 50+
People who spend a lot of time indoors
People with darker skin tones
People with milk allergies or lactose intolerant
People who live in areas that do not get a lot of sun
Regardless of age, vitamin D is needed for the maintenance of normal bones, because it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It supports the proper functioning of muscles. It also aids in the process of cell division, which helps our bodies grow and repair themselves. Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against germs and harmful bacteria.
Sunlight is the most plentiful natural source of vitamin D. There are very few naturally occurring dietary sources of vitamin D. Exceptions to this are cod liver oil and oily fish (like salmon and swordfish), which are all rich sources of the vitamin. Most often, we consume vitamin D via fortified foods such as milk, yoghurt, margarine, orange juice and breakfast cereals.
Infants and children
Adults 50+
People who spend a lot of time indoors
People with darker skin tones
People with milk allergies or lactose intolerant
People who live in areas that do not get a lot of sun
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Did you know ?
The practice of fortifying milk with vitamin D was started in the United States in the 1930s. It was an effort to eliminate rickets, a bone-weakening disease that was prevalent at the time among children from poor families. Milk was chosen due to its wide availabilty and richness in calcium.
