Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have discovered that eating mushrooms containing Vitamin D2 can be as effective at increasing and maintaining vitamin D levels as taking supplements in the form of capsules.
These findings will be presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Microbiology annual meeting in Boston on April 22 and also concurrently appear in Dermato-Endocrinology on line open access.
Also known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is crucial for good bone health and muscle strength.The nutrient also plays an integral role in modulating the immune system to help fight infections like the flu and reduces the risk of many common diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes.
"These results provide evidence that ingesting mushrooms that have been exposed to ultraviolet light and contain vitamin D2 can improve the vitamin D status of healthy adults," says lead researcher Dr. Michael F. Holick.
The study examined 30 healthy adults divided into three groups: those who took a supplement containing 2000 IU of vitamin D2, those who took a supplement of 2000 IU of vitamin D3 and those who took mushroom powder containing 2000 IU of vitamin D2.
"Although it has been previously reported that mushrooms have the ability to produce both vitamin D2 and vitamin D4, through our research we were able to detect vitamin D3, which is also made in human skin," Holick says.
Consumers are advised to take the mushrooms - any variety will work - out of any wrapping and place them outdoors between the hours of 10am and 3pm for up to 60 minutes during the late spring and summer months.
