Latest news with #VitaminD.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
'Terrified and confused': Baby dies after overdose
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ Warning: This story has details of the death of an infant A two-month-old baby died following an overdose after she was allegedly given medication at an adult dosage by a pharmacy, RNZ has revealed. Her grieving parents are calling for a law change that would make it mandatory for medication to be checked by two people before it is dispensed. The revelations have prompted the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand to "urgently" undertake a joint review into the incident, with Medsafe visiting the pharmacy to ensure they are safe to continue operating. The Pharmacy Council, which is also investigating, says it is "clear that an awful error has occurred". Bellamere Arwyn Duncan was born at 31 weeks and five days at Palmerston North Hospital on 2 May. Her parents Tempest Puklowski and Tristan Duncan knew from the scans she was going to be "quite tiny", and were told she would be early but no one expected she would come as early as she did. "That was definitely on her own accord," Puklowski, a first-time mum, told RNZ. "She sort of just made up her mind, and was like 'I'm coming out'." Bellamere, who weighed 1023 grams when she was born, spent about two months in the neonatal unit. Puklowski says she could not wait to bring her baby home and was excited when she was discharged on 24 June. While in hospital, Puklowski gave Bellamere her drops for Vitamin D. Nurses also administered her phosphate. When they left hospital they were given some Vitamin D in a little bottle, and a prescription for iron and Vitamin D. The following day Duncan went to a Manawatu pharmacy with the prescriptions. He was given the iron, but says the pharmacy refused to give the Vitamin D as the staff thought the dosage was "too high for her age and her weight". The staff said they would call the neonatal unit and follow-up. A few days later Puklowski received a call from the unit to organise a home care visit. During the call she was asked if she had any concerns, and Puklowski asked if they had been contacted about the Vitamin D. They had not, and said they would follow up and rewrite the prescription along with a prescription for phosphate. The homecare visit went well. Bellamere had put on weight, and was "doing well", Puklowski recalls. "She was settling in perfect." A day after the phone call, on 2 July, Duncan went to the pharmacy to collect the medication and came home with just the phosphate. Unbeknown to the parents, they had allegedly been given an adult dosage of phosphate. The label on the medication directed them to dissolve one 500mg tablet of phosphate twice daily in a glass of water. Puklowski said given the pharmacy's refusal to give them the Vitamin D, they did not even think to question the dosage. That evening they gave Bellamere her first dose of the medicine in her formula water. They would give her three bottles in 24 hours as was recommended. The couple noticed in that period that her eating was off, and thought she was "extra gassy", Puklowski says. "She was still feeding fine. She just wasn't may be going through a whole bottle compared to what she was," she recalls. Then, the day after she got her first dosage, Bellamere suddenly stopped breathing. "We were like oh shit, I went straight into panic," Puklowski says. "Tristan had to start administering CPR, and I was on the phone to the ambulance which arrived very quickly, within at least five to 10 minutes." Bellamere was taken to hospital and rushed to the emergency department. Once she was stabilised she was taken to the neonatal unit where she stayed overnight before she was flown to Starship Hospital. "We were definitely terrified and more confused than anything about what was going on," Puklowski says. The couple told the doctors they were worried they had overfed her, and her body was struggling to get it out. "I was trying to think of what had changed in the past 24 hours, which was her phosphate," Puklowski says. The couple had taken a bottle of the medicine with them to Starship Hospital. She gave it to the staff who saw that they had been given an adult dose. The staff then requested the original prescription which confirmed the script had been written with the correct dosage, but somehow the pharmacy had given the wrong dosage, Puklowski says. "I keep thinking about how much she ended up having and it just makes me feel sick." Once at Starship Hospital the couple were told they would "have to make some hard decisions". "But then we went and saw her. She was still moving and her eyes were still opening. "So we were like, 'No. She's our strong little fighter. I mean, look at how well she's done so far'." Tragically, Bellamere died at Starship Hospital on 19 July. "It was completely horrible," Puklowski says of having to say goodbye to her baby. A preliminary coroner's opinion is that Bellamere died of phosphate toxicity, her parents confirmed. A week on from their daughter's death, the couple are still in shock. Puklowski says she is in "disbelief". "They're just numb," Puklowski's mother, Rachelle Puklowski says. "It's completely traumatised them. They just watched Bella pass twice, once in their home and then again up at the hospital." Pharmacy responds The owner of the Manawatu pharmacy that dispensed the medication said in a statement to RNZ the baby's death was "a tragedy". "Our sympathy is with the family and whānau. This is a very difficult time. "We are looking into what has happened to try to understand how this took place. There will also be external reviews which we will work with." RNZ asked the owner how the medication was given at the wrong dosage, whether they disputed the allegations, when the pharmacy became aware the wrong dosage had been given, and what confidence people could have about other medication received from the pharmacy. The owner said the pharmacy was "devastated about what has happened and are investigating to find out how this occurred". "It is not appropriate to comment further at this stage." Duncan describes what happened to his daughter as "negligence". "How was it overlooked?" Puklowski wants to know. "Not even just in the initial making of it, but in the handing of it to us. They denied us the Vitamin D because they thought the dosage was too high for her age and weight, but can proceed to give us a full adult dosage of phosphate, like it just makes no absolute sense," she said. "They have to make sure they realise the kind of mistake that they have made, and that something has been done about it." The couple are adamant they want changes to the system for giving out medication. "It's the sort of thing that can't really be overlooked. "There needs to be something better in effect, rather than just relying on one person to make sure you're getting the right prescription, having at least a few eyes." Pharmacy Council chief executive Michael Pead said in a statement to RNZ the council's "heartfelt thoughts" were with Bellamere's family following the "absolute tragedy". "It is clear that an awful error has occurred, and as the regulator for pharmacists, we are working on understanding every detail of what happened, what went wrong, how it went wrong, and who was involved. The Pharmacy Council is working promptly to take any immediate steps required to ensure public safety. "Our enquiry and investigation processes are currently underway and, until these are complete, we cannot provide any further details. At the end of the process, we will make any recommended changes to ensure as best as possible an event like this does not happen again." The Pharmacy Council operated within a wider framework of organisations responsible for the protection of public health and safety, Pead said. "We have also referred the incident to other relevant organisations to ensure they can act on any matters that may fall into their remit. "We would emphasise that situations of this nature are extremely rare. No health practitioner goes to work aiming to cause harm, and New Zealanders can have faith that the pharmacists working in their communities and hospitals are vigilant about medicine dosage and patient safety." Pead said the council set the standard that all pharmacists follow a "logical, safe and methodical procedure" to dispense therapeutic products. Every pharmacy would have their own standard operating procedures that covered the dispensing and checking process, he said. "It involves checking the prescription for legality and eligibility, clinical assessment and accuracy check. "The check by a second person (separation of dispenser and checker roles) is considered best practice and is often built into the checking process in a pharmacy's procedures. The pharmacist is responsible for the final check. Sometimes this may not be possible for a sole charge pharmacist, working alone in the dispensary. It is recommended that a second self-check should be carried out, taking a few moments between the prescriptions to 'reset' and performing the final check with care." Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health released a joint statement to RNZ, extending their "heartfelt condolences" to Bellamere's family. "Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health take very seriously incidents like these, which while rare, are always thoroughly investigated to identify any lessons that can be learned. "Both agencies involved are acting urgently in undertaking a joint review into this incident, exploring all aspects of the care provided." Health New Zealand is undertaking a serious incident review and the Ministry of Health will be looking at actions taken by health services in the community. "This will occur alongside providing any information requested by the coroner." On Friday, a Ministry of Health spokesperson told RNZ that Medsafe had visited the pharmacy where the medicine was dispensed and completed an initial assessment that the pharmacy was safe to continue operating. "That initial assessment is part of a rapid audit and site visit of the pharmacy which is being carried out by Medsafe, aimed to provide additional assurance that the pharmacy is meeting expected standards." The actions taken by Medsafe and the Pharmacy Council would help inform the ongoing review, the spokesperson said. "These measures are occurring alongside providing any information requested by the coroner." Health Minister Simeon Brown said in a statement to RNZ he was "heartbroken" for Bellamere's family who had "inexplicably lost their baby in tragic circumstances". "My thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time. "I am advised that the Pharmacy Council has taken immediate action and is investigating this incident. The council has also advised other appropriate regulators."
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Baby dies after pharmacy gives wrong dosage
By Sam Sherwood of RNZ Warning: This story has details of the death of an infant A two-month-old baby died following an overdose after she was allegedly given medication at an adult dosage by a pharmacy. Her grieving parents are calling for a law change that would make it mandatory for medication to be checked by two people before it is dispensed. The revelations have prompted the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand to "urgently" undertake a joint review into the incident, with Medsafe visiting the pharmacy to ensure they are safe to continue operating. The Pharmacy Council, which is also investigating, says it is "clear that an awful error has occurred". Bellamere Arwyn Duncan was born at 31 weeks and five days at Palmerston North Hospital on May 2. Her parents Tempest Puklowski and Tristan Duncan knew from the scans she was going to be "quite tiny", and were told she would be early but no-one expected she would come as early as she did. "That was definitely on her own accord," Puklowski, a first-time mum, said. "She sort of just made up her mind, and was like 'I'm coming out'." Bellamere, who weighed 1023 grams when she was born, spent about two months in the neonatal unit. Puklowski says she could not wait to bring her baby home and was excited when she was discharged on June 24. While in hospital, Puklowski gave Bellamere her drops for Vitamin D. Nurses also administered her phosphate. When they left hospital they were given some Vitamin D in a little bottle, and a prescription for iron and Vitamin D. The following day Duncan went to a Manawatu pharmacy with the prescriptions. He was given the iron, but says the pharmacy refused to give the Vitamin D as the staff thought the dosage was "too high for her age and her weight". The staff said they would call the neonatal unit and follow-up. A few days later Puklowski received a call from the unit to organise a home care visit. During the call she was asked if she had any concerns, and Puklowski asked if they had been contacted about the Vitamin D. They had not, and said they would follow up and rewrite the prescription along with a prescription for phosphate. The homecare visit went well. Bellamere had put on weight, and was "doing well", Puklowski recalls. "She was settling in perfect." A day after the phone call, on July 2, Duncan went to the pharmacy to collect the medication and came home with just the phosphate. Unbeknown to the parents, they had allegedly been given an adult dosage of phosphate. The label on the medication directed them to dissolve one 500mg tablet of phosphate twice daily in a glass of water. Puklowski said given the pharmacy's refusal to give them the Vitamin D, they did not even think to question the dosage. That evening they gave Bellamere her first dose of the medicine in her formula water. They would give her three bottles in 24 hours as was recommended. The couple noticed in that period that her eating was off, and thought she was "extra gassy", Puklowski says. "She was still feeding fine. She just wasn't maybe going through a whole bottle compared to what she was," she recalls. Then, the day after she got her first dosage, Bellamere suddenly stopped breathing. "We were like oh shit, I went straight into panic," Puklowski says. "Tristan had to start administering CPR, and I was on the phone to the ambulance which arrived very quickly, within at least five to 10 minutes." Bellamere was taken to hospital and rushed to the emergency department. Once she was stabilised she was taken to the neonatal unit where she stayed overnight before she was flown to Starship Hospital. "We were definitely terrified and more confused than anything about what was going on," Puklowski says. The couple told the doctors they were worried they had overfed her, and her body was struggling to get it out. "I was trying to think of what had changed in the past 24 hours, which was her phosphate," Puklowski says. The couple had taken a bottle of the medicine with them to Starship Hospital. She gave it to the staff who saw that they had been given an adult dose. The staff then requested the original prescription which confirmed the script had been written with the correct dosage, but somehow the pharmacy had given the wrong dosage, Puklowski says. "I keep thinking about how much she ended up having and it just makes me feel sick." Once at Starship Hospital the couple were told they would "have to make some hard decisions". "But then we went and saw her. She was still moving and her eyes were still opening. "So we were like, 'No. She's our strong little fighter. I mean, look at how well she's done so far'." Tragically, Bellamere died at Starship Hospital on July 19. "It was completely horrible," Puklowski says of having to say goodbye to her baby. A preliminary coroner's opinion is that Bellamere died of phosphate toxicity, her parents confirmed. A week on from their daughter's death, the couple are still in shock. Puklowski says she is in "disbelief". "They're just numb," Puklowski's mother, Rachelle Puklowski says. "It's completely traumatised them. They just watched Bella pass twice, once in their home and then again up at the hospital." Pharmacy responds The owner of the Manawatu pharmacy that dispensed the medication said in a statement the baby's death was "a tragedy". "Our sympathy is with the family and whānau. This is a very difficult time. "We are looking into what has happened to try to understand how this took place. There will also be external reviews which we will work with." The owner was asked how the medication was given at the wrong dosage, whether they disputed the allegations, when the pharmacy became aware the wrong dosage had been given, and what confidence people could have about other medication received from the pharmacy. The owner said the pharmacy was "devastated about what has happened and are investigating to find out how this occurred". "It is not appropriate to comment further at this stage." Duncan describes what happened to his daughter as "negligence". "How was it overlooked?" Puklowski wants to know. "Not even just in the initial making of it, but in the handing of it to us. They denied us the Vitamin D because they thought the dosage was too high for her age and weight, but can proceed to give us a full adult dosage of phosphate, like it just makes no absolute sense," she said. "They have to make sure they realise the kind of mistake that they have made, and that something has been done about it." The couple are adamant they want changes to the system for giving out medication. "It's the sort of thing that can't really be overlooked. "There needs to be something better in effect, rather than just relying on one person to make sure you're getting the right prescription, having at least a few eyes." Pharmacy Council chief executive Michael Pead said in a statement the council's "heartfelt thoughts" were with Bellamere's family following the "absolute tragedy". "It is clear that an awful error has occurred, and as the regulator for pharmacists, we are working on understanding every detail of what happened, what went wrong, how it went wrong, and who was involved. The Pharmacy Council is working promptly to take any immediate steps required to ensure public safety. "Our enquiry and investigation processes are currently underway and, until these are complete, we cannot provide any further details. At the end of the process, we will make any recommended changes to ensure as best as possible an event like this does not happen again." The Pharmacy Council operated within a wider framework of organisations responsible for the protection of public health and safety, Pead said. "We have also referred the incident to other relevant organisations to ensure they can act on any matters that may fall into their remit. "We would emphasise that situations of this nature are extremely rare. No health practitioner goes to work aiming to cause harm, and New Zealanders can have faith that the pharmacists working in their communities and hospitals are vigilant about medicine dosage and patient safety." Pead said the council set the standard that all pharmacists follow a "logical, safe and methodical procedure" to dispense therapeutic products. Every pharmacy would have their own standard operating procedures that covered the dispensing and checking process, he said. "It involves checking the prescription for legality and eligibility, clinical assessment and accuracy check. "The check by a second person (separation of dispenser and checker roles) is considered best practice and is often built into the checking process in a pharmacy's procedures. The pharmacist is responsible for the final check. Sometimes this may not be possible for a sole charge pharmacist, working alone in the dispensary. It is recommended that a second self-check should be carried out, taking a few moments between the prescriptions to 'reset' and performing the final check with care." Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health released a joint statement, extending their "heartfelt condolences" to Bellamere's family. "Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health take very seriously incidents like these, which while rare, are always thoroughly investigated to identify any lessons that can be learned. "Both agencies involved are acting urgently in undertaking a joint review into this incident, exploring all aspects of the care provided." Health New Zealand is undertaking a serious incident review and the Ministry of Health will be looking at actions taken by health services in the community. "This will occur alongside providing any information requested by the coroner." On Friday, a Ministry of Health spokesperson said that Medsafe had visited the pharmacy where the medicine was dispensed and completed an initial assessment that the pharmacy was safe to continue operating. "That initial assessment is part of a rapid audit and site visit of the pharmacy which is being carried out by Medsafe, aimed to provide additional assurance that the pharmacy is meeting expected standards." The actions taken by Medsafe and the Pharmacy Council would help inform the ongoing review, the spokesperson said. "These measures are occurring alongside providing any information requested by the coroner." Health Minister Simeon Brown said he was "heartbroken" for Bellamere's family who had "inexplicably lost their baby in tragic circumstances". "My thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time. "I am advised that the Pharmacy Council has taken immediate action and is investigating this incident. The council has also advised other appropriate regulators."
Hindustan Times
22-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Does summer heat affect your fertility? Here's what IVF expert says: ‘Might seem logical but…'
When it comes to fertility and assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), hopeful couples often find themselves navigating a maze of information, assumptions and myths. One commonly held belief is that the summer season negatively impacts pregnancy chances or lowers IVF success rates. Worried about starting IVF in the summer heat? Read this before you delay.(Image by Pixabay) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rachita Munjal, senior consultant – fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Gurgaon, shared, 'IVF success rates depend upon egg quality. The idea that seasonal shifts can affect fertility outcomes might seem logical on the surface but science tells a different story.' The science behind IVF: A controlled environment IVF is a highly advanced medical process that occurs in a controlled lab environment, far removed from external weather conditions. Dr Rachita Munjal explained, 'Embryos are fertilized and cultured in laboratories where temperature, humidity, and air quality are tightly monitored. These artificial conditions are designed to mimic the optimal environment for embryo development — regardless of whether it is sweltering summer or freezing winter outside.' IVF has been helpful even in cases where a natural pregnancy is medically not possible. She added, 'Thus, the belief that the external climate could affect embryo health or success rates is scientifically unfounded. IVF success depends more on medical protocols, age, ovarian reserve, sperm quality and overall reproductive health than it does on the season.' Statistical evidence: No seasonal variation in IVF outcomes Numerous studies have compared IVF success rates across different seasons. The results? No significant variation has been found. Dr Rachita Munjal revealed, 'Fertility clinics worldwide have analyzed thousands of cycles to assess whether birth rates, implantation rates, or embryo quality differ from season to season. The consensus is clear: seasons do not determine the success of IVF treatments. This should be reassuring for couples who are mentally and physically ready for IVF. There is no need to delay or plan treatment around specific months unless advised otherwise by a medical professional for personal health reasons.' How summer may actually support fertility Interestingly, Dr Rachita Munjal pointed out that some biological factors associated with summer could even enhance fertility and IVF outcomes. 1. Vitamin D Boost: Sunlight is the most natural source of Vitamin D, a nutrient essential for reproductive health. Vitamin D plays a critical role in: Regulating hormones Improving ovarian function Enhancing sperm quality Supporting embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance Several studies have shown a correlation between adequate Vitamin D levels and improved IVF success rates. During the summer, with longer days and increased sun exposure, the body naturally produces more Vitamin D. This natural boost can benefit both men and women trying to conceive. If you are preparing to embrace motherhood soon, you need to make sure you are consuming the right nutrients from iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, to protein. Dr. Madhuri Roy, Gynaecologist & IVF Consultant, Founder, and Managing Director of Conceive IVF, Pune gives you diet tips.(Pixabay) 2. Melatonin Regulation: Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, is best known for its role in sleep regulation. However, it also plays an important role in reproductive health, especially in protecting eggs and embryos from oxidative stress. Seasonal variations in melatonin production — which tend to stabilize in summer — may contribute positively to overall fertility. Combined with good sleep hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, summer may provide an internal hormonal environment that is conducive to conception. Planning IVF: What really matters Rather than worrying about external weather patterns, Dr Rachita Munjal said couples should focus on what truly influences IVF success: Maternal age Quality of eggs and sperm Uterine receptivity Embryo quality Lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and stress Medical expertise and technology used at the clinic Emotional readiness and mental well-being are also key. Undergoing IVF can be an emotionally intense experience. Choosing a time when you feel psychologically prepared can make a meaningful difference in your journey — and for many, the calm and routine of summer may offer that space. When is the best time to start IVF? Dr Rachita Munjal answered, 'The best time is when you are ready — not based on the calendar, but on your health, doctor's advice, and emotional preparedness. If your fertility specialist has assessed your condition and recommended treatment, there is no need to postpone IVF based on the season. It's also important to remember that IVF success often takes time and depends on factors outside anyone's control that can affect outcomes. What matters is having trust in the process, your care team and your body.' Don't let myths guide medical decisions In the age of information overload, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing myths and hearsay — especially when you're on a deeply personal journey like fertility treatment but letting such myths influence important medical decisions can do more harm than good. Dr Rachita Munjal pointed out - There's no scientific proof that summer reduces IVF success. IVF labs maintain optimal, controlled environments. Sunlight and melatonin may even support reproductive health. Emotional readiness is more important than external temperature. So if you're planning to start IVF or are in the midst of your treatment, know this: you don't need to wait for the 'perfect season.' Instead, focus on your physical, emotional and mental health — and trust the science. Miracles take time, and each fertility journey is unique. Stay hopeful, stay informed and move forward with confidence. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Early puberty is for real: How to help our children
Precocious puberty refers to the early development of puberty and secondary sexual features in children before age eight for girls and boys before age nine. While the average age for menarche (first menstruation) in India used to be around 14-16 years, it has now dropped to around 12 years, and some girls are showing signs of puberty as early as age seven. Dr Atique Ahmed, newborn and child specialist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, explains why more such cases are being noticed.A growing concern: Children with precocious puberty may suffer both the physical and emotional impact. In the short term, they will likely be taller than their peers, but the long-term consequence of closing the growth plates too soon is shorter stature. From a psychological perspective, the hurdles can be equally profound. Children who are developing ahead of their same-age peers can experience embarrassment, anxiety and depression. The mismatched social-emotional and physical developments can manifest as behavioural problems, such as an increased risk for substance use or conduct and screen-time probable causes? A noticeable rise in cases of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been observed, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. During the outbreak, all schools remained shut across India and children under 18 were forced to spend extended periods confined at home. This prolonged isolation have coincided with a significant spike in the one cannot attribute a particular reason for its increase, several factors are being investigated. One prominent theory suggests that increased exposure to digital screens may be contributing. Research found that children's screen-time surged by approximately 2.5 times during the pandemic. It is believed that prolonged engagement with electronic devices—ranging from televisions to tablets—might be a contributing factor in the increasing incidence of CPP. Nutritional deficiency: Other lifestyle changes during the Covid lockdown may have added to the increase. Many children experienced a marked decline in physical activity and spent more time indoors, which contributed to widespread deficiency of Vitamin D. Dietary habits also shifted significantly during this time, with eating becoming a source of entertainment. A number of authors referenced ongoing increases in consumption of sweet snacks, high-calorie processed products, and pre-packaged foods. This may have contribute to a rise in childhood obesity, which resulted in the advancement of puberty in children, especially among changes: Sleep changes were reported during lockdowns, such as reduced time for sleeping and poorer quality of sleep among children. In one clinical opinion, psychological changes, technology influences or a combination of these things might have resulted in changes that led to early onset of puberty. However, we need to await clear evidence for definitive effects of Covid-19: Some researchers are exploring whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus could have directly affected neurological pathways involved in puberty through inflammation of the olfactory bulb, disruption of the blood-brain barrier or widespread inflammatory responses like cytokine storms. However, this connection remains under early puberty: Despite some early cases being unpreventable, parents can find actionable strategies to reduce risk and help their children cope with precocious puberty. Encouraging healthy practices is most important, such as making nutritious foods available; regular, purposeful activity; reduced screen-time; and improving sleep. Limiting exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals and providing an environment that promotes open communication can help empower children as they navigate the to India Today Magazine- Ends
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
This is how you can increase mushroom's vitamin D content
Mushrooms are a nutritious and versatile food, often added to soups, salads, stir-fries, and even sandwiches. They are packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. One vitamin that many people don't realize mushrooms can provide is Vitamin D. However, most store-bought mushrooms typically contain very low levels of this important nutrient. But there's a simple trick that can significantly boost the vitamin D content in mushrooms—exposing them to sunlight. Understanding the Role of Vitamin D in Mushrooms Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium, promotes bone health, and supports the immune system. It's primarily obtained through sunlight exposure, as the skin synthesizes it when exposed to UV rays. While Vitamin D is found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs, mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources of Vitamin D. However, the form of Vitamin D found in mushrooms is different from the one our bodies produce when exposed to sunlight. Mushrooms naturally contain Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), while human skin produces Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the more effective form in raising blood levels of the vitamin. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure your family's future! ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Nonetheless, Vitamin D2 still has health benefits, and the amount of Vitamin D in mushrooms can be significantly increased with a simple trick. Sunlight Exposure Mushrooms, like humans, have the ability to produce Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The same way our skin produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, mushrooms can synthesize it under UV light. This process is natural and very similar to how plants use sunlight for photosynthesis. By exposing mushrooms to sunlight or UV light after they've been harvested, you can significantly boost their Vitamin D content. Here's how it works: Mushrooms and UV Light: When mushrooms are exposed to UV rays (like sunlight), they begin to produce more Vitamin D2. This happens because UV light converts ergosterol, a compound found in the cell walls of mushrooms, into Vitamin D2. Optimal Exposure: To get the best results, mushrooms should be exposed to direct sunlight or a UV light source for a few hours. Even just 15 to 30 minutes of exposure can increase the Vitamin D levels in mushrooms by a significant amount. How to Increase Vitamin D in Mushrooms at Home If you're growing your own mushrooms or buying fresh ones, here's how you can increase their Vitamin D content at home: Choose the Right Mushrooms: Start with mushrooms that have the potential to increase their Vitamin D content. Most common varieties, such as white button mushrooms, cremini, and portobello, can be enhanced with UV exposure. However, some specialty mushrooms (like shiitake) may already contain higher levels of Vitamin D before exposure. Expose to Sunlight: Once you have your mushrooms, place them with their gills facing up in direct sunlight for about 15 to 30 minutes. Ideally, this should be done during the midday hours when the sun is strongest. You'll notice that the caps of the mushrooms will face upward to absorb the UV light, helping them produce more Vitamin D.
