All mushrooms do offer some level of vitamin D1 and furthermore mushrooms have the unique ability to increase vitamin D amounts due to UV-light or sunlight exposure2. Just like we humans do, mushrooms naturally produce vitamin D following exposure to sunlight or a sunlamp: mushrooms’ plant sterol – ergosterol – converts to vitamin D when exposed to light. So when we consume mushrooms that were exposed to UV lights or sunlight, we take in good amount of Vitamin D.
Why is Vitamin D so important for our body? Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is available via diet, supplements and sunlight, which is why it is also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” Mushrooms are the only non fortified source of Vitamin D which makes mushrooms one of Super Foods to consume!