Do you feel tired all the time? Do you find yourself constantly fatigued? Ahlaam Ali, Founder of the Dubai based brand ‘Pure Vegan Love’, explains that you might actually be suffering from vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency can result in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis and neuro- degenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. It is thought vitamin D deficiencies may also contribute to the development of cancers; especially breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Research carried out recently in the Middle East reported vitamin D deficiency to be 50 percent to 80 percent prevalent.

What to do if you have Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is different from other vitamins because our bodies can make most of what we need with exposure to sunlight.

Sources of vitamin D

Fatty fish

A great source of Vitamin D and the most common options are salmon, trout, mackerel tuna and eel. A 3 ounce salmon fillet contains about 450 international units of vitamin D. Daily recommended units of Vitamin D are 600 IU and 800 IU if you are older than 70.

Mushrooms

Some mushrooms have the capacity to produce vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light. Mushrooms, however, are grown in the dark and hence don’t contain enough of the vitamin. Some brands are grown in ultraviolet light to spur vitamin D production. This is a great option for vegans and vegetarians looking for plant based foods that contain the vitamin.

Fortified Orange Juice

An 8 ounce glass of fortified juice usually has around 100IU’s of vitamin D however the amount varies from brand to brand.

Supplements

Vitamin D supplements can actually help you get your proper daily dose without the risk of getting skin cancer by spending too much time in the sun.

Fortified Soya Milk or Almond Milk

Many manufacturers have started fortifying dairy and non-dairy milk with vitamin D and calcium. Those are the ones to go for if you have been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. Make sure you always read the label if you are a strict vegan.

Considering all the ailments that can arise out of vitamin D deficiency, it makes sense to get those vitamin levels checked out with your medical practitioner and address the issue immediately.

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