Vitamin D (The Sunshine Diet)
by Annie O Brien | 10th Apr 2020
Vitamin D (The Sunshine Diet)
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s made in your skin in response to sunlight. Due to Ireland’s northerly latitude, it’s almost impossible to get 100% of our DRV of Vitamin D from sunshine. Therefore, we have to look at our diet and supplementation in order to have sufficient amounts. Anything between 10-15ug is recommended and can be obtained by eating foods such as salmon, cheese, egg yolks, and fortified milk, cereals and yogurts.
Vitamin D has several important functions. The two most vital functions are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.
Vitamin D and The Sun
We call Vitamin D the sunshine vitamin because it is produced in the skin by exposing the body to just 10-15 minutes per day of sunshine. In Ireland, our hours of sun are extremely limited and Vitamin D can only really be produced in the skin between late March and late September. It cannot be produced in winter.
Even in summer, getting a sufficient amount of Vitamin D can pose a challenge, due to things like cloud cover, rainy weather, sunscreen and a lack of sunshine.
Vitamin D – Meal Plan
Luckily, at GourmetFuel we have the solution. Our team of registered nutritionists have put together a 1500kcal plan designed to give your body over 60% of your RDA of Vitamin D. By following this meal plan, receiving adequate sunshine and taking a regular supplement you can rest assured your hitting those Vitamin D levels!
