Researchers’ say: Tan your mushrooms, not your skin

BATHING YOUR mushrooms in the sun before eating increases their vitamin D content by nearly eightfold, according to new Hort Innovation funded research that summarises the health effects of the popular fungi.

According to the leading researcher, Dr Flavia Fayet-Moore from Nutrition Research Australia, exposing just five button mushrooms, or one portobello mushroom to UV light for 10-15 minutes produces about 24 micrograms of vitamin D.

This translates to nearly 1000 international units, greater than the recommended target for all Australians.

Dr Fayet-Moore said fungi, such as mushrooms, had a high concentration of ergosterol (or pre-vitamin D), which is extremely similar in structure and function to the type naturally found in human skin. And like in human skin, ergosterol is converted to vitamin D when exposed to UV light.

The vitamin D content in UV exposed mushrooms is retained with refrigeration for up to eight days, and production can be further increased by 30 per cent if the fungi were placed in the sun with the underside (or gills) facing up, or by up to 60 per cent if they were sliced prior to sun exposure.

For those wondering if the vitamin D from the tanned mushrooms actually made it into your bloodstream - Dr Fayet-Moore said it does.

“A recent evaluation of random controlled trials showed that UV-exposed mushrooms are effective in increasing active vitamin D levels, especially in adults deficient in vitamin D, and studies show that it is just as effective as supplements at increasing vitamin D levels in the blood,” she said.

 “Vitamin D is unique in that it’s technically not a vitamin and acts more like a hormone. Its primary function is to regulate how the body absorbs calcium, so it’s essential for bone health, but nearly every cell and tissue in our body interacts with it and it influences hundreds of genes.

“So, it’s unsurprising that growing research shows that low levels of vitamin D might be linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, gastrointestinal health, immune function, mental health disorders, metabolic health, fertility and diabetes.”

Dr Fayet-Moore said Australians were spending an average of $100 million on vitamin D supplements each year, but 1:4 Australians were deficient, and a further 2:5 insufficient.

“Low vitamin D levels are now a global public health issue. Sun exposure guidelines to address vitamin D deficiency recommend that during winter, adults spend up to half an hour in direct sunlight at midday, with face, arms and hands expose. And in summer, around 10 minutes of mid-morning or late afternoon sunlight, with face, arms and hands exposed,” she said.

“Given that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, research shows that it is near impossible to meet vitamin D requirements while adhering to sun safe messages.

“This research offers mushroom consumers another option to meet their vitamin D needs and an easy way to fortify their mushrooms at home with all of the benefits that come with vitamin D.”

The full report can be found here: https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2020/1/tan-your-mushrooms-not-your-skin/

ENDS