A medical professional has advised all Brits to begin taking a particular vitamin supplement to help ward off bugs and viruses during the autumn and winter period.
NHS GP Doctor Shireen recently informed people it’s vital to take the vitamin as temperatures drop and we struggle to obtain adequate amounts naturally during this season.
The expert, who frequently shares useful health tips on TikTok, believes this is knowledge many people require, as it’s fundamental for strengthening your immune system throughout autumn and winter.
If you’re hoping to ward off as many bugs and viruses as you can, it’s something you might want to consider without delay.
There are numerous advantages to incorporating the supplement into your routine, including helping to combat bugs, reports the Mirror.
Nevertheless, if you’re concerned about any illness you may have, there are certain cold and flu symptoms you shouldn’t dismiss.
Doctor Shireen explained: “There is one supplement that everybody without question needs to be taking. We are nearly in October, [and] from October to March the NHS guidelines is everyone should be taking vitamin D.
“We get most of our vitamin D from the sun and, during the winter months, the daylight hours are too short so, even if you’re outside all day, you’re not getting enough exposure to the sun to be getting enough vitamin D.
“You have to just take it. That is everybody. A lack of vitamin D reduces your immunity, so where we are now, getting all these winter bugs, you’re going to be much more likely to get sick.”
Speaking about vitamin D deficiency, she added: “It also has really bad side effects, so you might very tired, aches, pains and it is literally so prevalent in this country because so many people just don’t realise.”
If you spend considerable time indoors, or steer clear of the sun, the doctor said it’s also sensible to take the supplement throughout the year, as vitamin D is so crucial.
When you don’t obtain it from the sun, she said you need to source it from elsewhere. The video has been watched hundreds of times since it was posted, and dozens of people were quick to respond. They had all manner of thoughts to share.
What you may not know is that vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps to support healthy bones, teeth and muscles by assisting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
As well as being generated by the skin when exposed to sunlight, it can also be sourced from certain foods, including oily fish and fortified products or supplements.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone problems like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Additionally, it can also affect immune function.
The NHS website states: “Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged one to four and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.
“There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19), but there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19.
“During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D. But, since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.
“Between late March or early April to the end of September, most people can make all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet. You may choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months.”
Further details about vitamin D are available on the NHS website.
Anyone with concerns about taking a supplement should consult their GP before making any adjustments.