Are you getting enough D?

D Low-down

You’ve probably heard a lot about vitamin D recently and the potential benefits it might have in treating Covid. While the jury is still very much out on that question, it has long been known that Vitamin D plays a vital role in regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body which assists in maintaining immune function and protecting bone, muscle and heart health.

D2 & D3

When we talk about vitamin D we are actually talking about 2 different vitamins – D2 & D3. D2 comes from plants like wild mushrooms and D3 comes either from the sun or from animal sources like oily fish, egg yolk & liver.

D-Fence

By far the most potent source of vitamin D is the sun. It’s not easy to get enough vitamin D through your diet (unless you’re really into your salmon, sardines and mushrooms that is!) so If you live in northern Europe where there is limited sunlight from October to March then you need to consider taking a vitamin D supplement*. In the UK, the recommendation is to take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and March, although you will find several schools of thought that this isn’t sufficient.

Vitamin D has been shown in a number of recent studies to provide an array of protections including reducing high blood pressure, significantly reducing falls in the elderly, and is also a powerful inhibitor of cancer cell growth. It also stimulates your pancreas to produce insulin and regulates your immune system.

So if you’re not on this already it’s time to make sure you’re getting enough D in your life!

Where to buy D-rich foods

Support your local grocers, butchers and fishmongers for the best in organic and sustainably sourced options for oily fish, liver, eggs and mushrooms.

Think fresh, wild & organic..

· Wild salmon contains approximately 4 times the amount of Vitamin D than farmed salmon.

· Organic fresh produce has approximately 25% more nutritional value that non-organic.

Read on…

The vitamin D deficiency pandemic and consequences for nonskeletal health: mechanisms of action

Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health

*If you are unsure as to whether supplements are right for you, have a pre-existing health condition or you are on medication, please consult your physician first before taking vitamin D supplements.

The Author is a former chef, second hand car salesman, likes a walk with his dog, and always keeps his food fresh, wild and organic