Jakarta, June 18, 2022 – Maintaining an adequate intake of vitamin D is crucial for ensuring optimal body metabolism. According to data from the Ministry of Health, based on the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), the daily vitamin D requirement for adults is 15-20 micrograms or 600-800 IU.
Recognizing the importance of this nutritional need, Regal Springs Indonesia conducted its regular program, Regal Springs Health Talk, titled “Vitamin D: Should It Come from Supplements?” on Saturday (06/18) in a virtual format.
Tri Dharma Saputra, Director of Supply Chain & Procurement at Regal Springs Indonesia, stated, “Through this program, Regal Springs Indonesia aims to educate the public about the importance of consuming nutrition that supports body metabolism through nutritious food sources.” He further emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting overall well-being.
Tri added, “Tilapia fish is one of the protein sources that contains high levels of vitamin D, which accelerates the fulfillment of nutritional needs. A 100-gram serving of Regal Springs Tilapia fillet provides up to 34.39 micrograms or the equivalent of 1375 IU of vitamin D. This can fulfill up to 230% of the daily vitamin D requirement for adults.”
During the event, Matias Ibo, a Sports Physiotherapy expert, highlighted the importance of vitamin D and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He emphasized the significance of engaging in physical activities and regularly consuming vitamin D-rich foods such as eggs, nuts, and fatty fish. Matias stated, “Vitamin D is a group of substances responsible for enhancing the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in the body. It is essential for reducing blood pressure, body fat, asthma attacks, maintaining insulin production stability, and increasing testosterone production in males.”
He further added, “A healthy and easy way to increase vitamin D levels is through regular exercise. Not only does it reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it also improves sleep quality, reduces depression, and enhances one’s appearance.”
The important role of vitamin D was also emphasized by Dr. Mario Johan (Dr. Joe), a Health Influencer & Educator and another speaker at the Health Talk event. Dr. Joe explained, “The recommended dosage of vitamin D can vary for each individual, depending on their current condition, comorbidities, and geographical location. Ideally, everyone should first undergo a vitamin D level assessment and then consume food or supplements containing vitamin D, gradually increasing the dosage until reaching the desired level.”
Dr. Joe further elaborated on the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, stating that older individuals have a higher risk due to reduced vitamin D production in the skin when exposed to sunlight compared to their younger years. Other risk factors include individuals with darker skin tones, comorbidities or conditions such as Crohn’s disease that hinder proper fat absorption, osteoporosis, kidney disorders, liver disorders, hyperparathyroidism, a history of gastric bypass surgery, and the use of medications that affect vitamin D metabolism, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiepileptic drugs, glucocorticoids, antifungal medications, and HIV/AIDS drugs.
“Therefore, it is important to consume natural food sources rich in vitamin D, such as certain types of fish like salmon, tilapia, and tuna, as well as liver, cheese, mushrooms, and eggs. Alternatively, fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, cereals, soy-based beverages, and others can also be consumed,” he concluded.
