A New Dietary Source of Vitamin D?

Most Americans are deficient in vitamin D - and its little wonder. There are few good dietary sources of vitamin D and people arent spending enough time outdoors where theyre exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D since light converts a vitamin D precursor on the surface of the skin to a form that can be processed and used by the body. The only decent dietary sources of vitamin D are fortified foods such as cereals and milk and natural sources such as eggs and fatty fish. Now, a company called Monterey Mushrooms is adding to the list of good food sources of vitamin D by offering vitamin D enriched mushrooms.

Food Sources of Vitamin D: Mushrooms?

The folks at Monterey Mushrooms made the discovery that mushrooms respond to sunlight similarly to human skin. They contain a natural vitamin D precursor thats converted to vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light. Its very similar to the vitamin D conversion that occurs when human skin is exposed to light from the sun. The company found a way to expose the mushrooms to enough light to provide 100% of the RDA for vitamin D in a single serving which is the equivalent of four of five mushrooms.

These vitamin D mushrooms give a person at high risk of vitamin D deficiency a convenient way to boost vitamin D levels without taking supplements. Many people fall short of getting the vitamin D they need - yet hesitate to take vitamin D supplements. Four or five mushrooms a day is a food prescription that most people can handle.

The Health Benefits of Vitamin D: You Dont Want to Miss Them

The health benefits of vitamin D are just starting to be documented. It may play a role in the prevention of a variety of diseases from multiple sclerosis to cancer. Low levels of vitamin D can cause muscle weakness, low energy levels, depression, and fatigue. Some studies show that over three-quarters of the population is deficient in vitamin D - which could be putting them at higher risk for certain diseases.

A New Dietary Source of Vitamin D?

Are vitamin D enriched mushrooms a way to boost vitamin D levels? For people who arent able to get enough sun and dont want to take supplements, they could be an alternative dietary source for vitamin D. Look for them at a grocery store near you in the near future.

References:

http://www.montereymushrooms.com/