Many of you might already know that Vitamin D is a true 'sunshine vitamin', as it's predominantly made in your skin when exposed to UV rays from sunlight.
However, according to the latest UK survey, only 25% of Scots and 46% of English residents receive the optimum levels of Vitamin D in the summer, and for Scotland that drops to 8% in winter! Of a small survey on UK Vitamin D (the first qualitative pilot study) on 209 people, 43% supplemented, but not regularly, and about half of them didn't know if the dose they were taking was optimum.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommended Vitamin D intake is at 400–800 IU/day, which equals 10–20 micrograms. Sadly, intake of Vitamin D via food or drink is generally quite low, since very few contain significant amounts.
It's therefore strongly recommended to supplement and look out for vegan sources of fortified foods. Please be aware that many cereals contain non-vegan added Vitamin D, derived from lanolin (sheep's wool). Always double check with the manufacturer to make sure added Vitamin D has a plant based source and watch out for a vegan label on the packaging.
Looking for more information and would like to explore how I can help you to a more happy and healthy, nutritionally balanced, plant-based life? Get in touch today to have a chat and find out more!
