To the Point is Real Natural’s series of short, sharp facts compiled to help you get a quick understanding of the key points.

Vitamin D   

 

• Vitamin D helps the body to:
  •  absorb calcium
  • aid bone and tooth formation
  • support muscle and nerve function
  • prevent osteoporosis
• When you are exposed to the sun, your body converts a cholesterol compound in the skin to vitamin D. Therefore most Aussies get their main source of vitamin D through sunlight exposure. 
• Only a few foods contain significant amounts of vitamin D. These include:
  • Fatty fish like salmon and tuna
  • Fortified milk
  • Eggs
  • Fish-liver oils
• It’s unlikely that enough vitamin D can be achieved through diet alone, therefore sun exposure is important
• Your vitamin D and sun intake should bear in mind the associated risk of sun exposure and skin cancer
• Groups at the greatest risk of vitamin D deficiency include dark-skinned and veiled women (particularly in pregnancy), their babies, and elderly people living in residential care.

Refs:  MJA 2002 177 (3): 149-15; Life Clinic

Michelle Scavone