Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which is essential for keeping bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. They contain a substance called ergosterol, which allows them to naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV radiation. Wild mushrooms tend to have higher vitamin D content than cultivated mushrooms, as they are exposed to more UV light. Some companies have even started selling mushrooms enriched with vitamin D, which are grown using UV light treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms are a source of vitamin D | Yes |
| Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D | Yes, especially wild mushrooms |
| Mushrooms are the only non-animal source of vitamin D | No, there are fortified foods that contain vitamin D |
| Vitamin D content in mushrooms can be increased by | Exposing them to UV light |
| Mushrooms with high vitamin D content | Cantharellus cibarius, chanterelles, Boletus edulis, morels, cremini |
| Mushrooms with low vitamin D content | Cultivated mushrooms like portabella and common white-button |
| Mushrooms with high vitamin D content are sold by | Tesco |
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What You'll Learn
Vitamin D2 and ergosterol are the main forms of vitamin D found in mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which is typically synthesised in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for health, but it can be hard to get enough of it from your diet. Mushrooms contain vitamin D2 and ergosterol (provitamin D2), which are the major forms of vitamin D found in these fungi.
Ergosterol is a plant sterol found in cultivated mushrooms. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from sunlight or artificial sources, ergosterol converts to vitamin D2. This process is similar to how humans and animals produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. While animals produce vitamin D3, mushrooms produce vitamin D2.
The amount of vitamin D2 in mushrooms can be increased significantly by exposing them to UV light for a few minutes before or after harvesting. This has led to the development of commercial processes to enhance the vitamin D content in mushrooms, with some companies aiming to provide 100% of the daily vitamin D requirement in a single serving.
Wild mushrooms are often excellent sources of vitamin D2 due to their exposure to natural sunlight. For example, wild mushrooms like Cantharellus cibarius, chanterelles, and Boletus edulis have been found to contain higher amounts of vitamin D2 compared to cultivated varieties. On the other hand, many commercially grown mushrooms are cultivated in the dark and contain very little vitamin D2.
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Wild mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D2
Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which is usually obtained from sunlight, as well as foods like eggs and fish. Vitamin D is essential for health, but it can be hard to get enough of it from your diet. Mushrooms contain a substance called ergosterol, which allows them to naturally make vitamin D when exposed to light.
The difference in vitamin D2 content between wild and cultivated mushrooms is due to the growing conditions. Wild mushrooms are exposed to UV light, which boosts their vitamin D content. On the other hand, many commercially grown mushrooms are cultivated in the dark. However, some companies are starting to treat mushrooms with UV light to increase their vitamin D content.
Vitamin D2 from mushrooms may not be as effective as vitamin D3 from animal sources. However, vitamin D2 helps raise blood levels of vitamin D and can be a good way to meet your daily requirements, especially for those who do not consume animal products.
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Mushrooms are the only non-animal source of vitamin D
Mushrooms contain a substance called ergosterol, a plant sterol that serves as a precursor to vitamin D2. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from sunlight or artificial sources, ergosterol in fresh mushrooms is stimulated to convert into vitamin D2. This process is similar to how humans produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Interestingly, mushrooms produce vitamin D2, while animals produce vitamin D3.
The vitamin D content in mushrooms can be significantly enhanced by exposing them to UV light. Studies have shown that the vitamin D2 levels in commonly consumed mushrooms, such as White/Brown mushrooms, can be increased by up to 100% of the Daily Value by exposing them to UV light for just a few minutes. This has led to the development of commercial processes to create mushrooms that provide 100% of the daily vitamin D intake in a single serving.
Wild mushrooms, such as Cantharellus cibarius, chanterelles, and Boletus edulis, are known to have higher vitamin D2 content due to their exposure to natural UV light. For example, 100 grams of fresh Boletus edulis contains 58.7 micrograms of vitamin D2. In contrast, cultivated mushrooms, especially those grown in controlled environments with limited light exposure, tend to have lower levels of vitamin D2.
In summary, mushrooms are a unique and valuable source of vitamin D for individuals seeking non-animal alternatives. The ability of mushrooms to synthesize vitamin D when exposed to UV light makes them a nutritious and accessible option, especially when enhanced through commercial processes or by naturally occurring UV light in wild mushrooms.
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Tesco sells mushrooms enriched with vitamin D
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D. They contain a substance called ergosterol, which allows them to naturally make vitamin D when exposed to light. In 2016, Tesco launched a new range of vitamin D-enriched mushrooms, including Chestnut, Baby Chestnut, and Portobello mushrooms. These mushrooms are grown exclusively for Tesco by Monaghan Mushrooms, based in the Republic of Ireland.
The launch of Tesco's vitamin D-enriched mushrooms followed warnings from health experts that many people do not get enough vitamin D from their diet, especially during the winter months when the body naturally produces vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. By including Tesco's vitamin D-enriched mushrooms in dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, shoppers can easily meet their daily vitamin D requirements.
Monaghan Mushrooms developed a commercial process to give mushrooms 100% of the daily vitamin D intake in one serving. This process involves exposing the mushrooms to ultraviolet (UV) light, which has been known to cure rickets in those who consume the treated food. Tesco's vitamin D-enriched mushrooms provide an easy and delicious way for consumers to meet their vitamin D needs, especially during the winter months when natural sources of vitamin D may be limited.
Tesco's vitamin D-enriched mushrooms are a convenient and healthy option for shoppers. By including these mushrooms in their meals, consumers can ensure they are getting their daily allowance of vitamin D, which is crucial for overall health and well-being. Tesco's partnership with Monaghan Mushrooms ensures a consistent supply of high-quality, vitamin D-rich mushrooms for their customers.
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Vitamin D is essential for health
Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. They contain a substance called ergosterol, which allows them to naturally make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV radiation. In fact, one portion of mushrooms—about four chestnuts or one to two portobellos—can provide a person's entire daily vitamin D needs.
However, not all mushrooms are rich in vitamin D. Many commercially grown mushrooms are cultivated in the dark and contain very little vitamin D. Some wild mushrooms, on the other hand, are excellent sources of vitamin D due to their exposure to UV light. For example, chanterelles and boletus edulis have been found to contain significant amounts of vitamin D.
To increase the vitamin D content of commercially grown mushrooms, some companies have started treating them with UV light. This process has been developed over several years and has resulted in mushrooms that provide 100% of the daily vitamin D intake in just one serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D. They contain a substance called ergosterol, which allows them to naturally make vitamin D when exposed to light.
The vitamin D content of mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom and its exposure to UV light. Wild mushrooms tend to have higher levels of vitamin D due to their exposure to UV light. One cup of morel mushrooms, for example, contains a significant amount of vitamin D.
You can meet your daily vitamin D needs by consuming one portion of mushrooms, which is about four chestnut or one to two portobello mushrooms. You can add them to dishes such as spaghetti bolognese. Additionally, some commercially available mushrooms are treated with UV light to boost their vitamin D content.
