A vegan is someone who does not consume food derived from animals, it might be for a dietary reason, ethical reasons or environmental reasons. Strict vegans do not stand the idea of even using animal products such as leather, honey, eggs or even milk. Vitamin D is a unique vitamin as it is one for which there exist no vegetarian sources except some mushrooms.
This limitation of vegetable sources leaves most vegans vitamin D deficient. It can be attained through exposure to sunlight but for those who reside in temperate regions, this might also be a challenge. Animal sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like the salmon, liver, cod-liver oil and eggs which are the only viable source of the vitamin.
The only option left for a strict vegan is to opt for vitamin D supplements with a great example being Vegan Vitamin D3. This is a great whole food supplement made from lichen making it the ideal source of Vitamin D for both vegans and vegetarians.
The Role of Vitamin D in the Body
This is a vitamin which participates in several body functions such as enhancing the absorption of calcium, support the immune system and help reduce the inflammatory response. It also facilitates normal blood calcium levels maintaining normal teeth and bones.
Vitamin D also plays a role in the maintenance of normal muscle function and is required for normal growth and development of bones in young children.
Vitamin D binds to VDR induces the production of peptides capable of killing pathogens. During an infection, the epithelial cells convert inactive vitamin D to its active form. Using vitamin supplements for vitamin D seeks to improve protection against pathogens.
Acquired immune system responds slowly to an initial encounter with a pathogen. It creates an immunological memory which subsequently responses rapidly. Vitamin D upregulates vitamin D which is important in suppressing an ongoing inflammatory response.
Sources of Vitamin D
Butter, eggs, oily fish and fortified foods which provide low levels of vitamin D. Most of it is produced in the skin with exposure to the sun. Production depends mostly on age, genetics, sunscreen, clothing and colour.
Vitamin D cannot, however, be synthesised during the winter but can be stored in the body. With supplementation, there is a need to understand the difference between the common forms of vitamin D and the most suitable supplements.
Selecting the correct form of vitamin D is as important as supplementation itself. Choosing the correct multivitamin supplements and mineral including both Vitamin D2 and D3 with a nutrient content tailored to your specific needs, age, gender, pre-existing medical conditions or for children.
Vitamin D is also known ‘The Sunshine Vitamin’ because sunlight is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. To avoid a widespread deficiency of vitamin D supplementation is required as it is not found naturally in foods except for eggs and fatty fish oils. Vitamin D supplements aid in strong and healthy bones. It is also important in making sure muscles, lungs, heart, lungs and brain work.