The NHS advises people to take a daily supplement to help keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy, as well as ensuring that our immune system is at its best
The NHSs says people may need to take a vitamin(Image: Guido Mieth via Getty Images)
The NHS is encouraging people to begin taking one particular vitamin that will not only support healthy bones, teeth and muscles, but will also ensure your immune system operates at peak performance.
Vitamin D serves several vital functions. for your overall health. It assists in regulating calcium and phosphorus absorption, which enables your immune system to work properly.
Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels is essential not just for this purpose, but also for strengthening resistance against certain illnesses. Inadequate vitamin D can lead to skeletal deformities such as rickets in youngsters and bone discomfort caused by osteomalacia in grown-ups.
The NHS emphasises: “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 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.”
So when should I begin taking vitamin D?
According to the NHS, from late March/early April through to the end of September, most people should be capable of producing all the vitamin D they require from sunlight, as the body manufactures vitamin D from direct sun exposure on the skin whilst outdoors. , reports the Manchester Evening News. Nevertheless, experts warn that from October through to early March, our bodies cannot produce sufficient vitamin D from sunlight alone.
Due to this seasonal limitation, maintaining adequate levels becomes crucial.
This can be achieved through vitamin D supplements alongside consuming foods rich in this essential nutrient.
Sources include:
oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerelred meatliver (avoid liver if you are pregnant)egg yolksfortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
Nutritional supplements offer an additional source of vitamin D.
In Britain, cow’s milk typically provides limited amounts of this vitamin as it lacks the fortification found in other nations.
Given the challenge of obtaining adequate vitamin D through diet alone, the NHS recommends that everyone – including expectant and nursing mothers – should consider a daily 10-microgram vitamin D supplement throughout autumn and winter months.
How much vitamin D do I need?
According to the NHS: “Children from the age of 1 year and adults need 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Babies up to the age of 1 year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day.”
Am I at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Certain people may struggle to produce adequate vitamin D from sunlight due to minimal or complete lack of sun exposure.
The Department of Health and Social Care says that adults and children over 4 should take a daily 10-microgram vitamin D supplement year-round if they have darker skin tones, including those of African, African-Caribbean or are of South Asian heritage, as they may not generate enough vitamin D from sunlight. It’s recommended to take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.
More information can be found on the NHS website here.