A small study of 26 healthy men and women monitored their ability to cycle and the distance cycled within a set time-frame, before and after taking a vitamin supplement.
After just two weeks, those upping their vitamin D intake by a minimum of 50mcg were able to cycle a third further than at the beginning of the study (four miles in 20 minutes rather than three miles). Cyclists taking vitamin D also found it easier to cycle than those who hadn't.
It is widely thought that vitamin D reduces the amount of 'stress hormone' cortisol within the body. Cortisol is linked with high blood pressure, in turn increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Natural sources of vitamin D are oily fish and eggs, though in limited quantities. Mushrooms are able to make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight; leave them in good sunlight for 15 minutes, gill side upwards to expose the greatest surface area. Flat mushrooms can make more vitamin D than button mushrooms.
Our main source of vitamin D is sunlight, but in the UK in the winter months sunlight levels are low. It may be useful to take a vitamin D supplement from September to April.
Item in Lifespan Breaking News, Winter 2015
