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Vitamin D

Calciferol

Fat Soluble Stores: Months
Stored in:
Adipose tissueLiverMuscle
Forms:
Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

Found in plant sources like mushrooms and yeasts. Less potent than D3.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Found in animal sources and produced by the skin. More effective at raising blood levels.

Summary

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone. It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling.

Key Benefits

1

Helps the body absorb calcium.

2

Maintains strong bones and teeth.

3

Supports immune, brain, and nervous system health.

4

Regulates insulin levels.

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Top Food Sources

Information per 100g

Plant-Based

  • Mushrooms (UV exposed) 10 µg
  • Margarine (fortified) 8 µg
  • Fortified plant milk 2.5 µg
  • Fortified orange juice 2.5 µg
  • Yogurt (fortified) 2.5 µg

Animal-Based

  • Herring 25 µg
  • Trout 19 µg
  • Salmon 14 µg
  • Eel 8 µg
  • Mackerel 8 µg
  • Halibut 5 µg
  • Sardines 4.8 µg
  • Tuna 1.7 µg
  • Butter 1.5 µg
  • Cod 1.2 µg
  • Egg yolk 1.1 µg

The "Smart Assistant" Tip

Your body makes Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. 10-30 minutes a few times a week is often enough.

Signs of Deficiency

1

Bone pain

2

Muscle weakness

3

Frequent infections

4

Fatigue