A CLOSER LOOK AT VITAMINS

Collaboration with Boulangerie St-Méthode

After winter, many people experience lower energy levels and a certain feeling of fatigue. While macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) are the body’s main sources of energy, vitamins also play an essential role in maintaining optimal health. 

Vitamins are essential micronutrients that perform many functions in the body. Although they do not provide energy like macronutrients, they play a key role in the metabolic reactions that convert food into energy. Several vitamins, particularly those in the B complex group, act as cofactors in these processes. They also contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system, the health of the nervous system and the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Because the body cannot produce most vitamins in sufficient quantities, they must be obtained through a varied and balanced diet. 

For example, vitamin D plays a role in immune function and bone health, niacin helps convert the foods we eat into energy, and folate helps prevent anaemia, a condition that can cause feelings of fatigue and weakness. 

Focus on vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, can be synthesised by the body through exposure to ultraviolet rays when sunlight levels are sufficient. Certain foods can also help meet vitamin D requirements, such as oily fish (e.g. mackerel, sardines, salmon), eggs, fortified milk, fortified plant-based drinks (e.g. soya, almond), and breads from the Campagnolo range (e.g. oat and sesame miche, nine wholegrain miche, etc.). 

Meeting vitamin D requirements

Adopting a varied diet helps reduce the risk of deficiencies in most vitamins. Vitamin D is an exception because few foods naturally contain it and sunlight exposure is not optimal year-round in the Northern Hemisphere. For this reason, taking a supplement is often recommended. 

For people aged 2 to 50, Health Canada recommends consuming foods that contain vitamin D daily or taking a daily supplement of 400 IU (10 µg) of vitamin D. 

For people aged over 50, Health Canada recommends taking a daily supplement of 400 IU (10 µg) of vitamin D while continuing to consume foods that contain vitamin D. 

Campagnolo breads

In addition to being a source of vitamin D, breads from the Campagnolo range are also a source of fibre and several essential nutrients. They contain good amounts of thiamine, niacin, folate, magnesium and selenium. Moreover, they are made with wheat flour from Québec, prepared in Québec and are non-GMO. 

Here are two breads from this range:

Sesame Oat loaf

A 72 g serving (2 slices) provides 4 g of fibre, 5% vitamin D, 25% thiamine, 13% niacin and folate, 8% magnesium and 31% selenium. This bread is also made with oat flour from Québec. 

9 Whole grains loaf

A 72 g serving (2 slices) provides 5 g of fibre, 5% vitamin D, 19% thiamine, 22% niacin, 9% folate, 14% magnesium and 49% selenium. 

CLICK HERE to discover the products in the Campagnolo range 

Wishing everyone a wonderful spring! 🌱

Want to learn more about the product range at Boulangerie St-Méthode? CLICK HERE

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