title: In Pursuit of Vitamin D in Plants.
abstract: Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern. Much research has concentrated on the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D in human skin following exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280-315 nm). In many regions of the world there is insufficient UV-B radiation during winter months for adequate vitamin D production, and even when there is sufficient UV-B radiation, lifestyles and concerns about the risks of sun exposure may lead to insufficient exposure and to vitamin D deficiency. In these situations, dietary intake of vitamin D from foods or supplements is important for maintaining optimal vitamin D status. Some foods, such as fatty fish and fish liveroils, certain meats, eggs, mushrooms, dairy, and fortified foods, can provide significant amounts of vitamin D when considered cumulatively across the diet. However, little research has focussed on assessing edible plant foods for potential vitamin D content. The biosynthesis of vitamin D in animals, fungi and yeasts is well established; it is less well known that vitamin D is also biosynthesised in plants. Research dates back to the early 1900s, beginning with in vivo experiments showing the anti-rachitic activity of plants consumed by animals with induced rickets, and in vitro experiments using analytical methods with limited sensitivity. The most sensitive, specific and reliable method for measuring vitamin D and its metabolites is by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These assays have only recently been customised to allow measurement in foods, including plant materials. This commentary focuses on the current knowledge and research gaps around vitamin D in plants, and the potential of edible plants as an additional source of vitamin D for humans.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia. lucinda.black@curtin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Lucinda J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Black
authors.affiliation: National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia. robyn.lucas@anu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Robyn M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia. j.sherriff@curtin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Jill L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sherriff
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Lund University, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden. lars_olof.bjorn@biol.lu.se.
authors.forename: Lars Olof
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Björn
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Agri-Food Security (IIAFS), Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia. janet.bornman@curtin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Janet F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bornman
mesh_terms: D002212:Capsicum / Q000737:chemistry; D005516:Food Microbiology; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000737:chemistry; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons; D036061:Solanum glaucophyllum / Q000737:chemistry; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D
keywords: vitamin D;  1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D;  25‐hydroxyvitamin D;  plants