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The NHSs says people may need to take a vitamin(Image: Guido Mieth via Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe 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 bestThe NHSs says people may need to take a vitamin(Image: Guido Mieth via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The NHS is encouraging people to begin taking one particular vitamin that will not only support healthy bones, teeth and muscles<\/a>, but will also ensure your immune system operates at peak performance.<\/p>\n Vitamin D serves several vital functions. for your overall health<\/a>. It assists in regulating calcium and phosphorus absorption, which enables your immune system to work properly.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n So when should I begin taking vitamin D?<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Nevertheless, experts warn that from October through to early March, our bodies cannot produce sufficient vitamin D from sunlight alone.<\/p>\n Due to this seasonal limitation, maintaining adequate levels becomes crucial.<\/p>\n This can be achieved through vitamin D supplements alongside consuming foods rich in this essential nutrient.<\/p>\n Sources include:<\/p>\n oily fish \u2013 such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerelred meatliver (avoid liver if you are pregnant)egg yolksfortified foods \u2013 such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals<\/p>\n Nutritional supplements offer an additional source of vitamin D.<\/p>\n In Britain, cow’s milk typically provides limited amounts of this vitamin as it lacks the fortification found in other nations.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n How much vitamin D do I need?<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n Am I at risk of vitamin D deficiency?<\/p>\n Certain people may struggle to produce adequate vitamin D from sunlight due to minimal or complete lack of sun exposure.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n