What is Vitamin D and why do Vegans Need it?
Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin which acts like a hormone in the body to help regulate the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Its primary role is to control the transport of calcium in the blood, delivering it to the bone for fortification. All people living in northern climates (including most of the Continental US), and particularly Vegans, are at risk for Vitamin D deficiency, particularly during Fall and Winter.II Vegans are especially vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiencies because the primary source of Vitamin D is from fortified foods and supplements. While Vegans can find supplemental sources of vitamin D2 synthesized from Soy, the essential D form that has been the subject of almost all human studies, D3, is only available from two sources. The first and most important source is ultraviolet light from the sun, especially during the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM and during the late Spring and Summer months. The skin must be directly exposed for
