Vegan Sources of Vitamin D

Q: Do you know a good source of Vitamin D for vegans (no milk, no cod liver oil) in the winter months? Are there other options besides having to take a calcium/Vitamin D supplement? Thanks for your help, Richard, rfairb@interlog.com

A: One of the best natural food source of vitamin D is cod liver oil. However, there are quite a few vegan sources of Vitamin D. The best of them are avocado, bee pollen, carrots, dandelion, other greens, garlic, mushrooms, raw sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds and spirulina. Forever Healthy offers one supplement called Vita Synergy which is one of only three truly whole food natural vitamin and mineral supplements available!

Remember also that being outside in the sunny wheather even in winter months for 20-30 minutes a day is of help. Best to not wear eyewear for 20-30 minutes a day when outside, as sunlight in addition to being absorbed through the skin also absorbs through the pupil of our eyes, which stimulates our glandular system as well.

Another option is to purchase full-spectrum lights that imitate the sun light, and are used for treating a sunlight deprivation condition called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” commonly known as S.A.D. and a milder version called “Winter Blues”.