There are many important vitamins and nutrients that we should include in our daily diet. Among them are the B vitamins, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin C. These are time-released micronutrients that can be ingested in small amounts and released into the bloodstream gradually. These vitamins are essential for the health of the body, ensuring proper energy production and healthy skin, hair, and nerves. These nutrients are also vital to the health of the brain and the blood.
Vitamin C is important for our bodies because it supports the formation of collagen, the main protein found in connective tissue. A daily requirement of 65 to 90 milligrams of vitamin C is required by adults. Fresh fruit should be a regular part of the morning meal. Half a cup of sliced strawberries or cubed cantaloupe has the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. For healthier skin, one cup of oranges or grapefruit contains the recommended amount of vitamin C.1
Vitamin D is another important nutrient. When you don’t get enough of this vitamin, you can develop rickets and osteomalacia. A healthy diet should include plenty of vitamin D-containing foods. Eggs, fatty fish, mushrooms, and beef liver are all good sources of vitamin D. This nutrient is crucial for overall health and has antioxidant properties that prevent oxidative stress, which increases the risk of many diseases. A vitamin D deficiency can also lead to hemolytic anemia, where your blood cells become damaged and bleed.
What is Vitamin D?
There are many ways to get enough vitamin D in your diet. Fish liver oils and fatty fish are excellent sources. You can also get small amounts of vitamin D from beef liver and cheese. Mushrooms have variable amounts of vitamin D2, but some have been treated with UV light. Some are available as food supplements. It’s best to avoid eating mushrooms if you have a sensitivity to the sun’s UV rays.2
Vitamin D comes in two forms, the first being the dietary form, which is the active hormone. The other is the inactive chemical form or calcitriol. The latter is used to build strong, healthy bones. It is synthesized in the liver and kidney, while the former is produced by the skin. In addition to being a source of vitamin D, it also helps your body absorb calcium. Depending on your age, you should have an adequate amount of sunshine during the day.3
However, it is important to remember that vitamin D is not absorbed by the skin and therefore, needs to be produced by the body. The best way to obtain adequate amounts of vitamin D is to spend some time outdoors. The sun’s UV rays will help your body produce Vitamin D.4 But you should always take care to protect yourself from too much sun exposure. This will prevent skin cancer, moreover, you should also limit your intake of fatty foods and alcohol.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that can be obtained from food or supplementation. It is found naturally in the skin and in fatty fish, while certain mushrooms have vitamin D added to them. Some people take a vitamin D3 supplement, while others can get their vitamin D from the sun. Dr. Boyd recommends a daily dose of 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D3. A daily dosage is not required, but many experts recommend it for optimal health.5
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin D has other health benefits. It may help strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off colds and flu. In fact, a review published in 2019 found that inadequate vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth. Likewise, doctors often link low vitamin D levels with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. A 2013 study linked high levels of vitamin D with an increased risk of food allergy in children within the first two years of life.6
Vitamin D helps build immunity. The body’s immune system needs it to keep viruses and bacteria at bay. A lack of vitamin D can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attacks. Moreover, vitamin D can improve heart muscle function, which is important in those with weak heart muscles. More research is needed before we can safely use vitamin D supplements for treating heart failure. The above benefits of vitamin D cannot be overemphasized.
Despite its many benefits, vitamin D consumption is low in the U.S. Most people are not getting enough vitamin D in their diets. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) revealed that the average intake of vitamin D in adults was 4.1 mcg, or about 200 IU, for women and 4.8 mcg for men and 167 IU for children. The NHANES data also revealed that 92% of men and 94 percent of adults aged one and over did not consume at least 10 mcg of vitamin D per day.
The benefits of vitamin D can be felt by all ages. It helps your immune system to absorb calcium. Insufficient amounts of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Taking vitamin D supplements may also help your body fight off infection. Boosting your immune system is essential to prevent autoimmune diseases and cancer. If you are looking for the best vitamins, consider taking a supplement.7
Besides regulating calcium absorption, vitamin D is important for the immune system. It also aids the normal function of the kidneys and the skin. It also improves the heart’s ability to resist certain diseases. In addition, adequate vitamin D levels may prevent depression and improve mood. It also protects the skin against the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to its positive impact on our body, it has been shown to be helpful for preventing various types of cancer.
Is There Vitamin D in Protein Bars?
The most common question you may ask when it comes to protein bars is, “Is there vitamin D in protein bars?” The answer is a resounding “yes!” A protein bar is a nutritional powerhouse that is high in protein, fats, and carbohydrates. In fact, a typical bar contains more protein than the daily recommended allowance of vitamin D! Let’s take a closer look!
One bar that contains vitamin D is the Huel Complete Protein Bar, which is loaded with 10% of your daily recommended value. A Huel bar is also loaded with other essential nutrients such as choline and phosphate. A good source of these nutrients is sourced from nature. Other protein bars contain trace elements and other important vitamins, but these are not included in the list. The key is to read labels carefully and choose the bar that provides the most nutritional value.
A good source of vitamin D in a protein bar comes from milk or soy. Soy contains high levels of natural vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones. You can find a variety of protein bars that contain animal products, but be aware that these are often the main ingredient. If you’re not sure, try mixing in some other healthful foods such as vegetables or fruits to make the best choice for you.8
Antioxidants are another good source of vitamin D. These compounds neutralize free radicals, which can damage the body’s tissues. These antioxidants are found in protein bars and are a healthy source of energy. The benefits of vitamin D in protein bars go far beyond weight loss. The vitamin improves the metabolism of the body and helps you burn fat more effectively. This makes it a great choice for those trying to lose weight.
Is Vitamin D Healthy in Protein Bars?
Vitamin D is fat-soluble and is essential for the absorption of calcium for strong bones. It also plays an important role in the immune system. Increasing your intake of vitamin D has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and the common cold. Unfortunately, more than one-quarter of the US adult population has inadequate levels of vitamin D, and many take vitamin D supplements. However, the benefits of vitamin D in protein bars aren’t known.
Foods that contain vitamin D are rich in vitamins. Fatty fish, beef liver, and egg yolks are rich sources. You can find the recommended dietary allowance for each food type at the Institute of Medicine’s FoodData Central. Although the information isn’t comprehensive, it does show the sources of vitamin D and the amounts they provide in each serving. This is a helpful resource if you’re looking for information on the health benefits of a certain ingredient in a protein bar.
Image Credits
Harvard Health Google Stock Images
Seriq85 / Google Stock Images
Health Europa / Google Stock Images
The Independent / Google Stock Images
1 “Vitamin C – Health Professional Fact Sheet.” 26 Mar. 2021, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ </a Accessed 13 Dec. 2021.
2 “Vitamin D – Health Professional Fact Sheet.” 17 Aug. 2021, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ </aAccessed 13 Dec. 2021.
3 “Vitamin D: Benefits, deficiency, sources, and dosage – Medical News ….” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618 </a Accessed 13 Dec. 2021.
4 “Vitamin D Deficiency: 6 Causes, Common Symptoms & Health Risks.” 28 Jul. 2020, https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/vitamin-d-deficiency </a Accessed 13 Dec. 2021.
5 “3 Surprising Benefits of Vitamin D – Healthline.” https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d </aAccessed 13 Dec. 2021.
6 “Vitamin D: Benefits, deficiency, sources, and dosage – Medical News ….” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618 </a Accessed 13 Dec. 2021.
7 “Vitamin D: Vital Role in Your Health – WebMD.” https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/vitamin-d-vital-role-in-your-health </a Accessed 13 Dec. 2021.
8 “Vitamin D Interactions with Soy Isoflavones on Bone after Menopause.” 6 Nov. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509509/ </aAccessed 13 Dec. 2021.