Do mushrooms create Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight?

by Bryan
(Houston, TX)

QUESTION:

I read somewhere on your website that mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D.

The part that caught my attention was when you stated mushrooms create Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, in much the same way humans do.

Is this actually true?

Bryan


ANSWER:

Yes, that’s true. Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, and they have the unique ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV light.

This makes them an important dietary source of vitamin D, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

Here's a bit more detail:

1. Vitamin D synthesis: Mushrooms contain ergosterol, which is converted to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) when exposed to UV light.

2. Natural process: This mimics the process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, where cholesterol is converted to vitamin D3.

3. Importance: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and has been linked to various other health benefits.

4. Different from plants: While plants don't produce vitamin D, mushrooms can. Other non-animal sources are limited, making mushrooms particularly valuable.

5. Commercial application: Some mushroom producers intentionally expose their mushrooms to UV light to increase their vitamin D content.

This property of mushrooms is particularly beneficial for those who follow plant-based diets or have limited sun exposure, as it provides an alternative source of this essential vitamin.

So yes… it’s true. 🙂

Best wishes,

Nick