The special thing about vitamin D is that it can be synthesised by the body itself. Vitamin D is produced by the UVB rays of sunlight on the skin. However, the formation of vitamin D in our skin is influenced by various factors:
- From November to May, the sunlight in Europe is not enough to produce enough vitamin D.
- Furthermore, with increasing age, the ability to produce vitamin D is reduced by a factor of 4.
- In addition, older people often avoid direct sun exposure.
Other, age-independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include: - Obesity
- Poor absorption of nutrients in the intestine
- Consistent application of sunscreen.
And don't forget that there is an increased need for vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as in children.
Sources of vitamin D intake
Vitamin D only from food?
That is not enough. Of course, we also take in vitamin D through our diet. However, the sources of vitamin D intake are limited. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and therefore occurs mainly in fatty foods.
- Larger amounts are mainly found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines or mackerel.
- However, to achieve a sufficient intake of vitamin D from food, 2 portions of fatty fish would have to be consumed daily.
- Non-animal sources of vitamin D are very sparse and cannot cover the daily intake by far.
- Vegan vitamin D is found, for example, in chlorella (freshwater algae), avocado and mushrooms.
Since vitamin D deficiency is widespread and sunlight and diet are not reliable sources of sufficient vitamin D supply in Switzerland, the Federal Office of Public Health has issued the following recommendation for vitamin D supplementation of the diet with supplements:
- From the age of 60, 800IE (IU = international unit) per day.
- From the 2nd to the 59th year of life, 600 IU per day
- From the 1st year of life, 400 IU vitamin D per day
Food supplementation with vitamin D supplements in these amounts is well tolerated and ensures that vitamin D deficiency can be corrected in over 97% of the population. Vitamin D blood level measurement before starting supplementation is not generally recommended.
The Strath Food supplement with natural vitamin D is based on high-quality vitamin D herbal yeast. The vital substance-rich food supplement is suitable for children, adults, pregnant women, nursing mothers, students, professionals, athletes and older people. The recommended daily amount of 15 ml can be taken long-term and there is no risk of overdose.
A daily adult dose of 15ml of Strath supplement contains 6 μg or 240 IU of vitamin D, which covers 40% of the Federal Office of Public Health's requirements for the daily recommended need. The improved absorption of vitamin D through Strath herbal yeast, a balanced diet and sensible sun exposure fully cover the daily requirement of vitamin D and prevent vitamin D deficiency in the long term.
