Vitamin D intake among people has become more important now that we’re all stuck staying indoors. In this article we listed some of the vitamin D sources and the health benefits of this vitamin.
A person should regularly take 10 micrograms or 400 IU of vitamin D each day especially during the months between October and March, according to NHS. This is because vitamin D is vital in keeping your bones and muscles healthy.
People normally get their source of vitamin D from sunlight but given the circumstances, families are now accustomed to remaining indoors, sheltered away from the sun.
That is why we’ve found great alternatives so you can provide your family with much-needed vitamin D.
Foods High With Vitamin D
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There are various foods filled with vitamin D that would be the perfect healthy addition to you and your child’s diet. Although your choices might be limited, here are yummy options for you to choose from so you can stock up on natural vitamin D resources.
Salmon is an incredibly fatty fish which makes it a great source for vitamin D. It’s popular for its benefits and is healthy to eat.
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Vitamin D sources: Herring and Sardines
Another great fatty fish source for vitamin D can be from herring and sardines. These healthy fish can be served raw, canned, smoked or pickled.
Canned tuna is popular, especially now when we’re all stocking up on canned goods during the pandemic. It’s also a great source for vitamin D and, a big plus, it’s cheaper than regular fish!
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Vitamin D sources: Cod Liver Oil
Not a big fan of fish? No problem, because you can still get a decent amount of vitamin D from cod liver oil which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and filled with nutrients that you can’t get from other sources.
Mushrooms may be the only good and reliable plant source of vitamin D since they can synthesize this nutrient by being exposed to UV light.
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Vitamin D sources: Egg Yolks
Eggs are also a great source for vitamin D as its yolk contains minerals and other vitamins that are healthy for you. The vitamin D levels of eggs also depend on the sun exposure of chickens and their feed.
Beef liver is filled with vitamin D, although parents be aware that it is also high in cholesterol.
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Vitamin D sources: Fortified Foods
This includes cereals, cow’s milk, soy milk, orange juice, oatmeal and fatty spreads. These foods are fortified with vitamin D and are a great source of the nutrient.
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Vitamin D Supplements
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Since there are limited food sources for vitamin D and we can’t all be constantly exposed to sunlight, vitamin D supplements – or vitamin drops with vitamin D for younger children – can be a great alternative.
But parents should be careful about how much doses they give their children.
The NHS also provided recommendations from the Department of Health and Social Care on how much vitamin D supplements should be given at each stage of your child’s life.
- Breastfed Babies From Birth to 1-Year-Old
Can be given a daily supplement with 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
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Formula-fed Babies From Birth To 1-Year-Old
Since instant formula is already fortified with vitamin D, formula-fed babies should not be given supplements unless they’re being given less than 500ml of instant formula each day.
- Children From Ages 1 to 4 Years Old
Can be given a daily dose of 10 micrograms worth of vitamin D.
- Children Aged 4 And Above Including Adults
You can choose not to take vitamin D supplements but if you like, you and your child can take daily supplements worth of 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
Risks of Vitamin D Surplus And Deficiency
People may suffer from vitamin D deficiency if they get little sunlight or no sun exposure at all. For people with dark skin, it may be more difficult to gain vitamin D from the sun. In these cases, it is recommended that they take vitamin D supplements or add more vitamin D-induced food to their diet.
It may also be harmful if people have too much vitamin D intake. Taking vitamin D supplements more than recommended over a long period of time might cause hypercalcemia which adds up too much calcium that it can weaken the bones as well as cause damage to your kidneys and heart.
It is not possible to overdose from vitamin D when exposed to the sun but it is still best to cover up when under sunlight for too long to avoid skin damage and skin cancer.
When in doubt about your vitamin D intake, you should consult your doctor.
Importance of vitamin D to the body
In addition to supporting the immune system and other processes, vitamin D is crucial for strong bones. The human body responds to sun exposure by producing vitamin D.
Here are some of the important roles of vitamin D in the body:
Strengthens immune system
A sufficient vitamin D consumption may promote healthy immune function and lower the risk of autoimmune disorders.
In a research stated in an article written by Medical News Today entitled, What are the Health Benefits of Vitamin D, it stated that vitamin D is crucial for immune system health. The development of autoimmune diseases like diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis are thought to be associated with long-term vitamin D insufficiency, although further study is required to prove this association.
Strong bones
To maintain optimal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are required for proper bone mineralization, vitamin D stimulates intestinal calcium absorption.
Children who are vitamin D deficient may develop rickets, which causes the bones to weaken and give the impression of having bowlegs. Similar to children, adults who are vitamin D deficient experience osteomalacia or a softening of the bones. Muscle wasting and low bone density are effects of osteomalacia.
Osteoporosis is another long-term vitamin D insufficiency symptom that can occur. That is why, it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin D or have enough sun exposure.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
