Fruits high in vitamin d
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Fruits High in Vitamin D: An Overview
Introduction to Vitamin D in Fruits
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis and bone health, and it also plays roles in immune modulation and reducing inflammation2. While the primary source of vitamin D for humans is synthesis in the skin through sunlight exposure, dietary sources are also important, especially in regions with limited sunlight2. However, very few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, and this includes fruits4.
Vitamin D Fortification in Fruit Juices
Recent studies have explored the fortification of fruit juices with vitamin D to enhance dietary intake. For instance, a study investigated the effects of vitamin D3-fortified fruit juice on iron status in women with low iron stores. The fortified juice contained 4000 IU of vitamin D3 and was consumed daily for eight weeks, showing potential benefits in iron absorption1. Another study examined the glycemic responses to fruit juices enriched with vitamin D3, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and probiotics, finding that these fortified juices provided low glycemic index values and beneficial postprandial glycemic responses6.
Natural Occurrence of Vitamin D in Plants
Vitamin D3, typically found in animal products, has also been identified in certain plant species, although in very small amounts. Microalgae, for example, contain both vitamin D3 and its precursor, provitamin D3, suggesting that vitamin D3 exists in the plant kingdom4. However, the natural content of vitamin D in fruits is generally negligible, and most vitamin D in plants is in the form of vitamin D2, produced by fungi and yeasts4.
Potential Health Benefits of Vitamin D-Enriched Fruits
The fortification of fruits and fruit juices with vitamin D can offer several health benefits. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, and its deficiency is linked to various health issues, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and cancer4 5. The simultaneous intake of vitamin D and phytochemicals found in fruits like citruses and grapes can improve gut microbiota and immunity, potentially preventing metabolic syndrome and related diseases5.
Conclusion
While fruits naturally contain minimal amounts of vitamin D, fortification of fruit juices with vitamin D3 has shown promising results in improving iron absorption, glycemic control, and overall health. The integration of vitamin D into fruit-based products could be a valuable strategy to enhance dietary intake of this essential nutrient, especially in populations with limited sun exposure. Further research and development of vitamin D biofortified fruits and vegetables could provide additional health benefits and help address widespread vitamin D deficiencies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effect of vitamin D3-fortified fruit juice supplementation of 4000 IU daily on the recovery of iron status in childbearing-aged women with marginally low iron stores: Protocol for an 8-week, parallel group, double-blind randomized controlled trial
Vitamin D3-fortified fruit juice supplementation of 4000 IU daily may improve iron status in childbearing-aged women with marginally low iron stores, offering a potential alternative to oral iron therapy.
RCT
Rigorous JournalVitamin D3 for reducing mortality from cancer and other outcomes before, during and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic: A plea for harvesting low‐hanging fruit
Enhancing vitamin D3 supply has the potential to reduce cancer mortality and other adverse health outcomes, making it a valuable low-hanging fruit during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rigorous JournalRelationship between vitamin D deficiency, bone remodelling and iron status in iron-deficient young women consuming an iron-fortified food
Consuming iron-fortified fruit juice improves iron status in iron-deficient women, but vitamin D deficiency reduces the increase in iron supply to tissues.
RCTVitamin D in plants: a review of occurrence, analysis, and biosynthesis
Vitamin D3 is present in plants and algae, suggesting potential for vitamin D biofortification in fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Highly CitedPrevention of Metabolic Syndrome by Phytochemicals and Vitamin D
Intake of phytochemicals from citruses and grapes combined with vitamin D improves gut microbiota and immunity, preventing metabolic syndrome and related diseases.
Short-Term Effects of Fruit Juice Enriched with Vitamin D3, n-3 PUFA, and Probiotics on Glycemic Responses: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial in Healthy Adults
Fruit juice fortified with vitamin D3, n-3 PUFA, and probiotics all have low glycemic index values, potentially aiding in glycemic control and satiety in healthy adults.
RCTSkeletal effects of nutrients and nutraceuticals, beyond calcium and vitamin D
A nutrient-rich diet with adequate fruits and vegetables can generally meet skeletal needs in healthy adults, with supplementation only needed in chronic disease and frail elderly individuals.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCalcium and fructose intake in relation to risk of prostate cancer.
High fructose intake and increased fruit consumption may reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer, while high calcium intake may increase it.
Observational StudyHighly CitedA 4-wk intervention with high intake of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruit reduces plasma C-reactive protein in healthy, nonsmoking men.
High intake of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruit may reduce inflammation in healthy, nonsmoking men, but does not affect immune function markers.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin D in foods and as supplements.
Current dietary intake recommendations for vitamin D should be increased to at least 10 microg per day for all age groups when solar UVB radiation is scarce, with fortification of common products being a better option than supplements.
Highly Cited