Top 5 Vitamin D Supplements in Pakistan

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for our body. The rich source of getting the activated vitamin D is sunlight, which is a beautiful blessing of nature.  

But you will be surprised to know about the worldwide deficiency status of this essential vitamin.

Over a billion people, worldwide, suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Despite the significant amount of sunshine, the latest survey has revealed 53.5% of vitamin D deficiency among all age groups, in Pakistan. Vitamin D deficiency among women of reproductive age is 54%, which is evidenced by the National Nutrition Survey of Pakistan, NNS-2018.

The prevailing deficiency of this essential vitamin has made it inevitable for us to talk about its sources and spread awareness among every age group to manage this issue. Because vitamin D deficiency is not only prevalent among older adults (as it had been thought for so long) but adolescents are also equally bearing this deficiency.

In this article, we will be focusing on how to manage vitamin D deficiency? What are vitamin D-rich foods? How much time should be spent under the sun? And, how dietary supplements are helpful?  

So, Let’s start!

1.    What are the causes of vitamin D deficiency?

The observed causes of vitamin D deficiency are inadequate intake of vitamin D-rich foods, its fortified products, and lack of consumption of food supplements that contain a healthy amount of vitamin D. It can also be due to the deficiency of magnesium in our body. We need to know the fact that nutrients work in a coordinated manner in our body. Magnesium is an essential mineral for the activation of vitamin D. And the activated vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate absorption in the bones.

2.    Which foods are rich in vitamin D?

Good dietary sources of vitamin D include:

•    Fatty fish, such as mackerel or salmon

•    Beef liver

•    Cheese

•    Egg yolks

•    Fortified foods, including some breakfast cereals, orange juice, milk, soy products, and edible oils 

3.    How much time should be spent in sunlight for vitamin D?

The best source of vitamin D is sunlight. Our skin absorbs about 50%-90% of vitamin D from sunlight, and the rest amount comes from food. 

The scientific-based reported time for sunlight exposure is 15 to 20 minutes in summer and 20-30 minutes in the winter between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Sunlight does not provide vitamin D but helps in activating the already present vitamin D in our body to make it available where it is needed.

4.    Which supplements are the best for vitamin D in Pakistan?

Nutrifactor is offering the 5 best quality supplements of vitamin D that fulfill the daily need of our body.  

I.    Bonex-D

In one single formula, Bonex-D provides us calcium and vitamin D3, which help support healthier bones, muscles, and teeth.

Calcium is crucial for the development and maintenance of strong bones. And vitamin D plays an important role in regulating calcium absorption in the bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps maintain a healthy immune system.

II.    Suncell 5000

For those with greater vitamin D needs or deficiencies, Nutrifactor is offering the good quality food supplement, Suncell 5000, which contains 5000 IU of vitamin D3. It helps to support healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.

In order to promote healthy bones and teeth, vitamin D3 assists to increase calcium and phosphorus absorption in the body. Another benefit of vitamin D3 is that it helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system.

People suffering from seasonal colds and flu can also take this supplement to improve their immunity.

III.    Jointin-D

This is a joint support formula that provides five essential nutrients, including glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulphate, which help maintain the cartilage and healthy joint structure, to make joint movement more comfortable.

Essential nutrients found in Jointin-D help to increase joint mobility, flexibility, and lubrication. Additionally, these also help in the formation of cartilage.

The recommended amount of vitamin D present in Jointin-D helps in calcium absorption, and also in the retention of calcium that has already been deposited in the bones.

While Sulfur, in the form of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), aids the body in maintaining healthy connective tissues.

Chondroitin aids cartilage in retaining water and is also helpful in joint lubrication and cushioning.

IV.    Nuflex

Nuflex contains 7 necessary nutrients that are beneficial for the health of the bones and joints. It contains two well-known nutrients, glucosamine, and chondroitin, for supporting healthy joints. These nutrients help improve our joint mobility and aid in the development of cartilage.

Nuflex contains vitamin D3 which helps support strong bones, and boost immunity.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organic form of sulphur present in it, helps promote the formation of cartilage components. 

V.    VitaBite

Nutrifactor's VitaBite contains vitamin A and D3, for optimal assimilation and absorption of calcium in our body.

Vitamin D3 is a more potent and active form of vitamin D. It is crucial for calcium absorption, stronger bones, and healthier teeth.

References:

•    https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d#how-much-you-need

•    https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/vitamin-d-deficiency

•    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29504336/

•    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56061/

•    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29480918/