Is vitamin D really essential for everyone?

The sun is becoming more and more shy. According to Météo France, sunshine was 20% below normal across the country. The lack of sunlight has consequences on our morale and our health since it provides us with an essential vitamin for our body: vitamin D. How can we get enough and who are the people who need it the most? The explanations of Doctor Jean-Marc Sène in Bonjour! The Morning TF1 (new window).

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Elderly people, pregnant women…

With winter approaching, the days are getting shorter, we are living more and more indoors and as a bonus, the sun is absent. It is difficult in these cases to stock up on vitamin D. However, it is essential for our body and in particular the elderly who produce less vitamin D, pregnant women and newborns, who produce it, but who have needs. increased. People with dark skin and vegetarians (as well as vegans) also have an increased need for vitamin D. As the latter do not eat fatty fish and animal proteins, they may experience significant deficiencies.

However, vitamin D is essential for our body, because it increases calcium and phosphate, which allows bones, cartilage, teeth and muscle function to be better calcified. This vitamin also improves the functioning of the nervous system and coagulation. It also intervenes in hormonal balance, boosts the immune system and ensures good skin health.

Stock up on vitamin D?

For a long time, doctors prescribed vitamin D ampoules to compensate for deficiencies. In reality, few people need this. They are especially necessary after certain surgical operations, for elderly people at risk of falling or in addition to certain medications. For the vast majority, it is preferable to favor hygienic-dietary measures, that is to say natural and non-drug measures. To do this, we try to expose ourselves a little more to light and the sun. All you have to do is roll up your sleeves for fifteen to twenty minutes a day to produce vitamin D. Furthermore, diet is very important to refuel. It is advisable to favor fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, but also herring. On the meat side, offal such as liver provide vitamin D. We do not hesitate to take dairy products such as butter, cheese or even margarines. Eggs, chocolate and mushrooms are also very recommended to stock up on vitamin D. Yes, mushrooms are one of the rare plants to contain vitamin D. It's still the time to enjoy chanterelles and mushrooms. chanterelles.