Vitamin D

Good evening Mr. Jelínek,

1. I often encounter the opinion that today's foods do not contain the necessary vitamins and minerals due to environmental pollution and cultivation methods. What is your view on this, please?
2. Do you recommend D3 with K2 during the winter months for all age groups?

Thank you.

1. Foods that we can classify as "quality," meaning those that have not undergone extensive industrial processing, will always be nutritionally sound, i.e., they will contain certain amounts of micronutrients. However, their quantity will depend on the method of cultivation/raising and subsequent processing of the raw materials. Considering each individual's specific needs, it's a matter of debate whether their quantity will be sufficient or whether it might be worthwhile to supplement certain substances.

2. This is also a matter of individuality, as blanket recommendations are never a solution. Even in the winter months, it is possible to obtain enough vitamin D through diet, and at the same time, a reasonably designed meal plan has the potential to support intestinal microbiota activity for adequate vitamin K production. Therefore, it is not necessarily essential to take these substances preventively, although most of the population will never demonstrate the ability to adjust their diet to ensure everything is nutritionally adequate.

Good day.
I would be interested in your opinion on the use of the sunlamp (a device that was prevalent in every household 30 years ago) concerning the production of Vitamin D in the skin during the winter months.
Thank you.

These devices emit UVA and UVB radiation, which affects the production of vitamin D. The problem is that targeted exposure of the skin to concentrated sources of this radiation is risky with regard to the development of skin melanomas. It is therefore necessary to decide what is the lesser evil in a given situation - whether it is the lack of vitamin D or the risk of developing cancer. Supplementation with calciferol during the winter months appears to be more advantageous, as we know that it is absolutely safe in appropriate doses and, most importantly, effective.