LET'S TALK ABOUT... VITAMIN D

WHAT IS VITAMIN D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is formed in the skin when exposed to sunlight, and is also found in some individual foods. Vitamin D is converted into biologically active vitamins by a process in the liver and kidneys and increases the absorption of calcium from the intestinal system. In addition, vitamin D is necessary for the metabolism of calcium and phosphate in the bones and teeth.

Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, it must be taken at the same time as fat to be absorbed by the body, which also means that vitamin D cannot be dissolved in water. It is therefore a good idea to consume vitamin D in connection with a meal.

WHAT IS VITAMIN D GOOD FOR?

Overall, vitamin D is good for many things, including the immune system. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. In addition, vitamin D contributes to a normal absorption/utilization of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also has a role in the maintenance of normal muscle function, the body's bones and normal teeth.

HOW TO GET VITAMIN D?

The sun is the most important source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to sunlight. Short, regular stays in the sun are best. In the summer, when the sun is high, the skin produces a lot of vitamin D, but in the winter, it is limited how much vitamin D the skin can produce from the amount of sunlight. That is why it is important to get vitamin D from other places in the winter, and this could e.g. be from one's diet.

Vitamin D is found in some foods. The most important sources of vitamin D in the Danes' diet are fish, fats (margarine, butter, oil), meat, eggs, as well as milk and cheese. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring, eel, salmon, halibut and more. Vitamin D is also found in meat, eggs, milk, cheese and fats, but in limited quantities, and the vitamin D content is low in low-fat dairy products. Vitamin D is mostly not found in plants.

If you do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight or from your diet, you can get it through various supplements. There are various types of nutritional supplements, but if you are not fond of vitamin pills, you can try a vitamin chewing gum from Eace Gum. In one vitamin chewing gum from Eace Gum you get 10 of your daily essential vitamins, including vitamin D.

FUN FACTS ABOUT VITAMIN D

- Did you know that spring is the time of year when your body has the lowest content of vitamin D, due to the weather's limited amount of direct sunlight throughout the winter?

- Did you know that the sufficient amount of sunlight needed before you have the recommended amount of vitamin D in your body is defined as 15-30 minutes daily in the midday sun (between 11:00 and 15:00)?

- Did you know that if you have too little vitamin D in your body, you can risk being in a bad mood? Vitamin D plays a role in the production of serotonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate one's mood and sleep.

Sources:

Træholt, N. & Nielsen, A., S. (2021). Fat soluble vs. water soluble vitamins - do you know the difference? Med24.dk.

Retrieved from:

https://www.med24.dk/fedtoploeselige-vs-vandoploeselige-vitaminer-kender-du-forskellen

Borre, M. (2019) . Vitamin D. Netdoktor.dk.

Retrieved from:

https://netdoktor.dk/vitaminer/vitamind.htm

VITAVIVA . (2021). Fun Facts about Vitamin D. Vitaviva.dk.

Retrieved from:

https://vitaviva.dk/newsletters/fun-facts-about-vitamin-d

Barrie, L. (2020). 11 Vitamin D Myths and Facts. Everydayhealth.dk.

Retrieved from:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/vitamin-d/vitamin-d-myths-and-facts/