Vitamin D in Vegan Diet?!
Vitamin D in Vegan Diet?
I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and my body doesn't produce enough vitamin D
What are the best sources to get it from being a vegan?
I drink soy milk and eat lots of green vegetables, is this enough?
I don't need any lecturing about eating meat or being a vegan
Only serious answers please. :)
Answers:
Here is a link for you with some good info. I recovered completely from RA, lupus and other health issues by discovering that I had food allergies. I am fine as long as I stick to my diet. Email if you want more info. Here is the link
http://www.vegansociety.com/html/food/nu...
I'm not going to lecture you. But basically Vitamin D does come from eggs and fish oils, so you're going to have a hard time getting enough of it. This is a problem which affects a lot of people who aren't vegan, too. According to Wikipedia, one natural vegan source of Vitamin D is shiitake mushrooms (these can be hard to find - a good deli should stock them).
I've also linked to a page from the Vegan Society describing a few of your alternatives. If you live in the UK, all soymilks and margarines are fortified with Vitamin D. If you live outside the UK, you can probably find ones that are. There are also Vitamin D-enriched breakfast cereals, and special Vitamin D2 (non-animal-derived) supplements for vegans.
Other than that, just try sitting in the sun...
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is not found in plant foods. However, vegans can obtain vitamin D from vegetable margarines, some soya milks and certain other foods which are fortified with the vitamin.
Vitamin D is also synthesised by the skin when exposed to sunlight. Synthesis of vitamin D in this way is usually adequate to supply all the body's requirements. Most vegans will obtain sufficient vitamin D providing they spend time outdoors on bright days. Fortified foods further ensure adequate amounts.
Vegans who may be confined indoors may be recommended a vitamin D supplement. Also, infants who are seldom oudoors or who are dark-skinned may require supplements. Asian vegans may also be at risk of deficiency, particularly Asian women who may be required to keep their skin covered for cultural reasons.
The sun is the best source.
Well, you can also get Vitamin D from sunlight, so you may want to go out in the sun more often with as much skin exposed as possible. I don't know much about rheumatoid arthritis, but it sounds like you're already doing plenty! Sorry I can't be more help...