Regions

Salmon vitamin D more effective at boosting immune system

Rocio Álvarez Jiménez

The journal Frontiers in Immunology has published a study that says that the type of vitamin D found in oily fish helps supercharge our immune system against bacteria and viruses. According to Salmon Scotland, the research lasted three months and British women completed it.

Thereby, the study confirms vitamin D3 from animal-based foods is more effective than D2. Last is found in plant foods like mushrooms and added to some brands of bread, cereal, and yogurts.

In other words, Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said that this study confirms salmon is healthier than ever. Salmon vitamin can help "enable a critical immune system response to bacterial and viral infections."

Besides, he added: "Recent findings indicating an increase in the nutritional value of farm-raised salmon have coincided with year-on-year improvements in the way producers are rearing and feeding their stock."

In addition, the University of Stirling's Nutritional Analytical Service tested Scottish salmon to find its nutrient levels. Researchers found that salmon has 4.5 times the daily recommendation for special omega-3 fats. Also, 42% of the vitamin E recommendation.

Contrary, Food Standards Scotland and Abertay University advised that Scottish are eating less than a quarter of the recommended serving of oily fish per week.

Regarding this, Dietitian Dr. Carrie Ruxton warned: "Many people in the UK don't get enough vitamin D from their diets. That's why around a quarter of Scots are deficient in vitamin D, according to government estimates."