Being a vegan comes with many health benefits, but it can also raise some concerns about getting enough of certain essential nutrients. One of the most common questions that arise for vegans is: “Can you get enough Vitamin D on a plant-based diet?”
What Is Vitamin D and Why Do We Need It?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body needs to build strong bones, as well as help with immune function and cardiovascular health. When levels of Vitamin D drop too low, our bodies start to have trouble absorbing calcium and other minerals that support bone health, leading to conditions like rickets in children or osteoporosis in adults. Low Vitamin D levels are also linked to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of heart disease.
Vitamin D and Veganism
As vegans eliminate certain foods from their diet, they may find it harder to get enough Vitamin D. Some people believe that it is impossible for vegans to achieve adequate levels of this nutrient without consuming animal products. However, there are several ways for vegans to get the Vitamin D they need, and still maintain a cruelty-free and ethical diet.
Vegan Sources of Vitamin D
While it is true that many traditional plant-based foods are not significant sources of Vitamin D, there are some options that can help vegans meet their daily needs. Here are some plant-based foods that contain Vitamin D (or are fortified with it), along with their approximate Vitamin D content per 100g:
- Mushrooms, especially those exposed to sunlight (around 150IU per 100g)
- Algae and seaweed (around 200-500IU per 100g)
- Fortified plant-based milks and juices (around 100-200IU per 100ml)
While these foods do contain some Vitamin D, it’s important to note that our bodies usually absorb Vitamin D from animal sources more efficiently than from plant-based sources. Therefore, we would need to consume larger amounts of fortified or plant-based Vitamin D sources to get the same benefits as we would from animal products.
However, there are ways to improve the absorption of plant-based Vitamin D, which we will discuss later. For now, it’s important to understand that while it is possible to get some Vitamin D from plant-based foods, supplements, and sunshine, most people will need to rely on a combination of these sources to meet their daily needs.
The Role of Sunlight
The most natural source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Our bodies have the ability to synthesize Vitamin D from cholesterol in our skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. However, the amount of Vitamin D our bodies can produce in this way depends on several factors, including:
- The time of day
- Season
- Geographic location
- Skin tone
For example, darker skin tones don’t absorb sunlight as efficiently as lighter skin tones, which means that people with darker skin may need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as someone with lighter skin. People who live in areas with less sunlight throughout the year (like northern latitudes) may also struggle to get enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone.
Even if you are getting regular sunshine, it’s important to remember that excessive sun exposure can be harmful, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is generally recommended that people aim for sunshine exposure that would result in their skin producing a moderate amount of Vitamin D (enough to turn the skin a very slight pink color), without burning. For most people, this equates to around 15-30 minutes of sunshine exposure per day.
If you have darker skin, or if you live in a region with less sunlight, you may need more sunshine exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D. Conversely, if you have fair skin, you may need to limit your sunshine exposure to avoid burning, while still taking steps to increase your Vitamin D intake through other means.
Supplementing Your Vegan Diet with Vitamin D
Because it can be challenging for vegans to get enough Vitamin D from food alone, many doctors recommend taking a supplement. Look for a vegan-friendly Vitamin D3 supplement, as this is the form that is most easily absorbed by the body. A standard dose is around 2000IU per day, but you should check with your doctor to see if a higher dose is right for you. Taking your Vitamin D supplement with a meal that contains some healthy fat (such as olive oil or avocado) can help improve absorption.
It’s important to test your Vitamin D levels regularly to ensure that your supplementation is working. You can ask your doctor to test your Vitamin D levels next time you have blood work done. If your levels are low, your doctor may recommend increasing your supplement dose until your levels are in the normal range. You should retest every few months to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your supplementation.
Combining Foods for Better Absorption
If you want to get more Vitamin D from your diet, in addition to taking a supplement, consider combining some of the foods listed earlier in the same meal. For example, you might drink a glass of fortified plant-based milk with your breakfast, and then snack on some mushrooms later in the day. This can help you absorb more Vitamin D from the food you eat.
Some research suggests that consuming foods or drinks that contain vitamin C, calcium, or magnesium may improve the absorption of Vitamin D. Adding some fresh berries, leafy greens, or a handful of nuts to your meals and snacks can be a great way to enhance the benefits of Vitamin D-rich foods.
Exercise and Stress Management for Optimal Vitamin D Absorption
Regular exercise and stress management are also important for optimizing your Vitamin D absorption. Exercise helps boost blood flow to your muscles and organs, including the skin, allowing for better absorption of Vitamin D. Stress, on the other hand, can impair your body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D. Therefore, making sure you get regular physical activity and find ways to reduce stress in your life can help support healthy Vitamin D levels.
Busting Myths About Vegan Vitamin D
Now, let’s debunk some common myths about getting enough Vitamin D on a vegan diet:
- Myth: Vegans can’t get enough Vitamin D.
- Fact: While it is true that most plant-based foods do not contain high levels of Vitamin D, vegans can still get enough Vitamin D from a combination of fortified foods, sunlight, and supplements.
- Myth: Vitamin D from plants is not bioavailable.
- Fact: While it is true that our bodies absorb animal-sourced Vitamin D more efficiently than plant-sourced Vitamin D, this doesn’t mean that plant-based sources of Vitamin D are not useful. When consumed alongside foods rich in vitamin C, calcium, or magnesium, Vitamin D from plant sources can still be effectively absorbed by the body. Additionally, taking a supplement can help ensure that your body is getting enough Vitamin D, regardless of how efficiently it is absorbed from food.
If you are a vegan, don’t let concerns about getting enough Vitamin D hold you back from enjoying a cruelty-free and ethical lifestyle. By being proactive about incorporating Vitamin D-rich foods into your diet, getting regular sunshine exposure, and taking a supplement as needed, you can easily meet your daily Vitamin D needs and support strong bone health, a robust immune system, and cardiovascular wellbeing.
Remember, you have the power to unlock the secrets of getting enough Vitamin D as a vegan, and to feel confident that you are nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs. So go forth and enjoy a plant-based life, knowing that you’ve got this!