Are there other ways of getting sufficient vitamin D without exposure to sunlight? Marion

Dear Marion,

Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D. Due to sunlight, vitamin D is naturally made in the body, It is necessary to strengthen the bones by enhancing absorption of calcium, Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and softening of bones in adults. However, using heavy clothing, use of sunscreen, presence of fog, smog or clouds are situations that block sunlight from reaching the body. But there are other natural sources as well. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is both manufactured in the body and can be obtained from dietary sources as well. Fish particularly those high in essential fatty acid like salmon, mackerel are rich source of vitamin D. Fortified(where the essential nutrients lost in processing are added to the food item), cereals and bread, milk and milk products like cheese,yoghurt, soya milk and orange juice are yet another dietary source of vitamin D. Some Mushrooms like white button, white edible and chanterrle also contain good amount of vitamin D.

Egg yolk and liver are excellent sources of vitamin D. Chicken breast and pork also contain vitamin D, but in low amount. Apart from providing vitamin D, these food products also enhance absorption of calcium in the body, thus strengthening the bones.