Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency
[1]People over 65 years old because their skin is not as good at making vitamin D
[2] People with darker skin tone – that is people of Asian, African, Afro-Caribbean and middle Eastern decent – living in the U.K. Or other northern climates.
[3] Anyone who spends little time outdoors –house bound, shop or office workers, night shift workers
[4]Babies and young children who spend little time
Playing outside.
[5] Pregnant women and breastfeeding women
Which foods contain vitamin D?
Sunshine, not food, is where most of your vitamin D comes from. So even a healthy well-balanced diet, that provides all the other vitamins and goodness you need, is unlikely to provide enough vitamin D.
Non vegetarians
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Vegetarians
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Vegan
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Salmon
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Egg yoke
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Orange juice
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Sardine
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Margarine
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Fortified soya milk/ yoghurt
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Pilchards
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Fortified breakfast cereal
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Fortified Almond milk
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Trout
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Milk
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Fortified coconut milk
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Herring
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Fortified infant formula
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Fortified Tofu
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Kippers
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Fortified-yoghurt
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Cereals fortified with vitamin D
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Cod liver oil
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Cheese
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Fortified yoghurts
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Offals
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What is Vitamin D and why do I need it
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin ( stored in fat and is also a hormone. It's is beneficial in helping the body to absorb calcium, which is beneficial for strong bones and teeth.
Consequences of vitamin D deficiency
Low levels of vitamin D can cause osteoporosis ( thinning of bone, osteopenia ( reduce bone mass), and osteomalacia ( softening of bones).
Babies born with low levels of vitamin D and those who do not get enough from breast milk could developed Rickets. Older children who do not get enough vitamin D can also develops rickets. Rickets or “bow leg” can cause permanent deformities to the bone,, weaken muscles and reduced growth. Low levels of vitamin D may put men at increased risk of colorectal cancer and women at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
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