Cambridge Commodities launches mushroom vitamin D powder

14 Sep 2017 --- Nutritional ingredient supplier Cambridge Commodities has launched a mushroom-based vitamin D powder: VitaShroom D. VitaShroom D is produced exclusively for Cambridge Commodities in Europe where the mushrooms are grown, picked and powdered on the same site, meaning every step in the supply chain is controlled and traceable, the company reports. 

“We are very excited about the launch of VitaShroom D as it comes from a wholefood, natural source: mushrooms. Plant-based vitamin alternatives such as VitaShroom D are really in demand from consumers as they look for clean label, natural and authentic ingredients in their food,” says Clare Baker, Head of Product Development at Cambridge Commodities.

Supplements and fortified foods containing vitamin D have grown in popularity due to the high media exposure the vitamin has received. Vitamin D is essential for bone metabolism and is thought to have beneficial health effects for muscle strength and non-skeletal health for a variety of groups including children, indoor workers and the elderly who are at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. VitaShroom D provides a high vitamin D content of 7500IU per gram and is high in protein and fiber. 

“The plant-based powder provides a convenient way to boost vitamin D intake in the diet to support teeth and bone health. As well as being used in supplements, the pleasant flavor makes VitaShroom D ideal for a variety of food applications,” Baker comments.

Elsewhere, a recent report has underlined the importance of vitamin D supplementation after researchers from Trinity College Dublin discovered that one in eight adults over the age of 50 living in Ireland is vitamin D deficient. According to the research, this increases to one in four over winter, and 5 percent of adults over 50 are even vitamin D deficient during summer. The study has implications for people living in sunlight-starved countries across the globe and has led to calls for public health policy to consider supplementation.

Liberal voluntary vitamin D fortification of only some food products currently occurs in Ireland, and there have been calls for a wider range of foods to be fortified. Before further fortification occurs, comprehensive information is needed on the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in older adults who are most at risk, the press release for the study notes.