In pursuit of vitamin D in plants
Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern. Much research has concentrated on the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D in human skin following exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280–315 nm). In many regions of the world there is insufficient UV-B radiation during winter months for adequate vitami...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Journal Article |
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MDPI Publishing
2017
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50296 |
| _version_ | 1848758442030792704 |
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| author | Black, Lucinda Lucas, R. Sherriff, Jill Björn, L. Bornman, J. |
| author_facet | Black, Lucinda Lucas, R. Sherriff, Jill Björn, L. Bornman, J. |
| author_sort | Black, Lucinda |
| building | Curtin Institutional Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern. Much research has concentrated on the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D in human skin following exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280–315 nm). In many regions of the world there is insufficient UV-B radiation during winter months for adequate vitamin D production, and even when there is sufficient UV-B radiation, lifestyles and concerns about the risks of sun exposure may lead to insufficient exposure and to vitamin D deficiency. In these situations, dietary intake of vitamin D from foods or supplements is important for maintaining optimal vitamin D status. Some foods, such as fatty fish and fish liver oils, certain meats, eggs, mushrooms, dairy, and fortified foods, can provide significant amounts of vitamin D when considered cumulatively across the diet. However, little research has focussed on assessing edible plant foods for potential vitamin D content. The biosynthesis of vitamin D in animals, fungi and yeasts is well established; it is less well known that vitamin D is also biosynthesised in plants. Research dates back to the early 1900s, beginning with in vivo experiments showing the anti-rachitic activity of plants consumed by animals with induced rickets, and in vitro experiments using analytical methods with limited sensitivity. The most sensitive, specific and reliable method for measuring vitamin D and its metabolites is by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These assays have only recently been customised to allow measurement in foods, including plant materials. This commentary focuses on the current knowledge and research gaps around vitamin D in plants, and the potential of edible plants as an additional source of vitamin D for humans. © 2017 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-14T09:44:03Z |
| format | Journal Article |
| id | curtin-20.500.11937-50296 |
| institution | Curtin University Malaysia |
| institution_category | Local University |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-14T09:44:03Z |
| publishDate | 2017 |
| publisher | MDPI Publishing |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | curtin-20.500.11937-502962017-09-13T15:35:58Z In pursuit of vitamin D in plants Black, Lucinda Lucas, R. Sherriff, Jill Björn, L. Bornman, J. Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern. Much research has concentrated on the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D in human skin following exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280–315 nm). In many regions of the world there is insufficient UV-B radiation during winter months for adequate vitamin D production, and even when there is sufficient UV-B radiation, lifestyles and concerns about the risks of sun exposure may lead to insufficient exposure and to vitamin D deficiency. In these situations, dietary intake of vitamin D from foods or supplements is important for maintaining optimal vitamin D status. Some foods, such as fatty fish and fish liver oils, certain meats, eggs, mushrooms, dairy, and fortified foods, can provide significant amounts of vitamin D when considered cumulatively across the diet. However, little research has focussed on assessing edible plant foods for potential vitamin D content. The biosynthesis of vitamin D in animals, fungi and yeasts is well established; it is less well known that vitamin D is also biosynthesised in plants. Research dates back to the early 1900s, beginning with in vivo experiments showing the anti-rachitic activity of plants consumed by animals with induced rickets, and in vitro experiments using analytical methods with limited sensitivity. The most sensitive, specific and reliable method for measuring vitamin D and its metabolites is by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These assays have only recently been customised to allow measurement in foods, including plant materials. This commentary focuses on the current knowledge and research gaps around vitamin D in plants, and the potential of edible plants as an additional source of vitamin D for humans. © 2017 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. 2017 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50296 10.3390/nu9020136 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ MDPI Publishing fulltext |
| spellingShingle | Black, Lucinda Lucas, R. Sherriff, Jill Björn, L. Bornman, J. In pursuit of vitamin D in plants |
| title | In pursuit of vitamin D in plants |
| title_full | In pursuit of vitamin D in plants |
| title_fullStr | In pursuit of vitamin D in plants |
| title_full_unstemmed | In pursuit of vitamin D in plants |
| title_short | In pursuit of vitamin D in plants |
| title_sort | in pursuit of vitamin d in plants |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50296 |