In the United States and Canada, about 60 percent of the population gets its recommended daily allowance of vitamin D from fortified food products. But how can we make sure that our diets contain adequate amounts of vitamin D? Fortified foods can help us absorb more vitamin D, but they are not a substitute for a vitamin D-rich diet. There are other ways to get vitamin D, such as through fortified dairy products.
Research plays an important role in creating safe and effective food-based solutions for vitamin D deficiency. It is the keystone for developing effective and safe food-based vitamin D interventions. To combat vitamin D deficiency, food with high levels of vitamin D can provide a boost to the immune system. However, it is important to note that daily doses of vitamin D should not exceed 1000 IU/100 grams. Therefore, it is important to follow the guidelines carefully.
Fatty fish, including salmon, are excellent sources of vitamin D. A half-fillet of halibut, for instance, has 384 IU of vitamin D, while a 3.5-ounce serving of mackerel has 216 IU. Additionally, whole eggs, which contain the majority of vitamin D, contain both fat and protein. Whether you opt for wild salmon or farmed, these fish are both good sources of vitamin D.
Fortification of food isn’t a new concept in India. Fortified chapati flour, for example, was shown to raise serum 25(OH)D levels in babies of Indian descent. Fortification of Indian staple foods began in the United Kingdom in the 1970s, with the intention of helping immigrants of Indian descent. Fortified chapati flour became a staple food in Britain. In 1978, the British Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended for infants of Indian origin.
Aside from being essential for healthy bones and teeth, vitamin D helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. It may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing beta cell function in the pancreas, and lessening inflammation. It may even be useful in treating seasonal depression and anxiety. For these reasons, supplementing with food with vitamin D is important. And, if you’re wondering what to eat, consider these foods.
Milk is the preferred vehicle for fortifying foods with vitamin D. However, milk is rarely fortified in India, despite the country’s largest dairy milk production. Furthermore, milk is also extremely expensive for those who are socioeconomically underprivileged. Further, milk is rarely homogenized, resulting in stratification. And since vitamin D is fat soluble, the highest lipid layer in milk contains more vitamin D. It’s no wonder that the dairy industry in India is struggling to make a profit.
Recent reevaluations of dietary reference values have resulted in contrasting recommendations. The need for creative food-based approaches to bridge the gap between current intake levels and new requirement values is critical. In this regard, the present review summarizes current DRI and DRV for vitamin D in the United States. However, more research is needed to identify the relationship between vitamin D and bone health and recommend the best ways to increase intake.