Where can we get vitamin D?

Vitamin D, the chemical name of which is calciferol, aids the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

It is also needed to fix calcium in our bones. In other words, it plays an essential role in keeping the bony framework of our body healthy. And the best source of vitamin D is to be found … in our skin, which is able to produce this vitamin when exposed to sunlight.

It is estimated that exposure to the sun is sufficient to produce between 80% and 90% of the vitamin D our body needs. Just exposing our hands, forearms and face for 10 to 15 minutes a day is enough to satisfy our vitamin D requirements. Our diet, on the other hand, is of limited help in this respect.
Vitamin D can, of course, be found in cod liver oil, salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, margarine, butter, calf’s liver and eggs … But in very small amounts! For example, to get our recommended daily intake of vitamin D, we would have to eat 5 packs of butter or 20 eggs!

So, if for one reason or another, you suffer from vitamin D deficiency, it’s best to take a supplement. Why not ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice…?

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