HEALTH DOSE: Supplements can help boost vitamin levels when natural sources cannot provide enough (Image: iStockphoto/ Getty)
Summer may have ended abruptly across the UK, with dark skies and heavy rain replacing sunshine. According to Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, this sudden shift could deprive people of an essential nutrient.
“Vitamin D is primarily produced through direct sunlight, and as we head into the colder, less sunny months, many people will struggle to get enough,” he explained. The vitamin plays a crucial role in several areas of health, Dr Grant warned.
It aids calcium absorption to keep bones strong, reducing the risk of conditions such as rickets and osteoporosis. It also supports the immune system, helping the body fight off infections, and contributes to muscle function – with deficiencies potentially leading to weakness and increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
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“Like any essential nutrient, vitamin D supports the body in a number of ways,” Dr Grant said. “While most vitamins can be obtained from a balanced diet, vitamin D is the exception because it relies heavily on sunlight. That’s why supplements are such a valuable option at this time of year.”
Vitamin D tablets are widely available in supermarkets, pharmacies and online, and cost as little as a few pounds, reports the Mirror. Dr Grant recommends starting supplementation now to avoid deficiencies as daylight hours continue to decline.
He added that some foods, such as oily fish, red meat and egg yolks, are natural dietary sources of vitamin D and can help boost intake. But for most people, especially in the UK’s long winter months, supplements are the most reliable way to maintain healthy levels.
“With the weather remaining unsettled, it’s important to stay on top of your nutrient intake,” Dr Grant said. “Taking vitamin D now will help protect your health through the months ahead.”
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