A flurry of interest currently surrounds vitamin D, the so-called ‘sunshine
vitamin’. Commonly known for its importance in promoting strong bones and
teeth, vitamin D is now receiving attention in almost every aspect of human
health. Accredited Practicing Dietitian Jenelle Croatto explains.
ow levels of vitamin D have now
become a public health issue as
many of us; particularly those who are
house bound or limit sun exposure do not
have adequate levels of vitamin D (blood
levels below 50nmol/L).
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Sun exposure accounts for 90 per cent of
the vitamin D in our body and the amount
we need really depends on the season,
geographical location and how fair our
skin is. There are now many terrific apps
such as dminder, which can help you work
out your individual requirements for
sunlight exposure.
The number one dietary source of vitamin
D is oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and
mackerel. Smaller amounts are found in
egg yolks, meat and fortified milk and
margarine. Interestingly, mushrooms that
have been exposed to sunlight, can also
provide a significant boost in vitamin D!
Bone health
Building strong, dense bones in our
younger years is essential in preventing
weakened bones later in life. Literally
meaning ‘porous bones’,
osteoporosis is caused by
mineral loss, such as calcium,
from the bone at a rate that is
faster than the body can
replace. A well-known role of vitamin D is
to enable adequate absorption of calcium
from the intestine and over time a lack of
vitamin D will result in bone
demineralisation.
Pregnancy
Cancer
For both mother and baby, vitamin D is
essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Deficiency of vitamin D may place an
expectant mother at risk of various
pregnancy related conditions including
preeclampsia and pre-term labour. Infants
born to mothers with low vitamin D levels
will also be deficient, as newborns have the
same blood level as their mother. Such
babies are at risk of developing rickets,
which can result in abnormal bone growth
and bowing of the legs.
Interest surrounding sun exposure and a
reduced cancer risk dates back to the 1940s
and since this time, there has been a
growing interest in the suggested link. As
outlined in a 2007 article published in the
New England Journal of Medicine a link
between common cancers such as colon,
breast and pancreatic cancer has been
associated with living at higher latitudes
and less so in populations which live closer
to the equator.
Influenza
nosh magazine
SHINING THE LIGHT
ON VITAMIN D
A 2013 update on vitamin D published in
the Dermato Endocrinology journal
explains how our immune system is
influenced by vitamin D and that low
levels have been linked with various
autoimmune diseases such as multiple
sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid
arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
As with cancer, the update discusses the
common trend for autoimmune disease to
be more common if you do not live in an
equatorial region. N
While the incidence of “the flu” is thought
to be higher during winter due to us living
in closer proximity, another theory
suggests a link with reduced exposure to
sunlight. A 2010 study published in The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
demonstrated that children supplemented
with vitamin D during winter were less
likely to succumb to the seasonal flu than
the children who were given a placebo.
Autoimmune Disease
JENELLE CROATTO, APD
Learn more about Jenelle: website | profile
Jenelle is an avid believer that having a good attitude with food is equally as important as eating nutritious food. Her practical and
enthusiastic approach will enable you to set realistic health goals and guide you in achieving personal wellbeing. Her philosophy is simple – eat
minimally processed foods close to nature, eat foods you truly enjoy, eat mindfully and love food that loves you back!
www.n4foodandhealth.com
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