The Importance of Vitamin D

The benefits of Vitamin D for our mental and physical wellbeing are widely acknowledged; Vitamin D supports and protects our immune system, bones and muscles, and spending time in the sunshine has a positive effect on our mood. Since, Vitamin D is only produced by the body when ultraviolet light hits the skin and triggers synthesis, deficiency can be caused by limited sun exposure, whether in wintertime or from not spending time outdoors. 

Vitamin D deficiency can result in symptoms such as fatigue, greater vulnerability to illness, muscle pain, hair loss, and difficulty healing when bruised, and in extreme cases, Rickets or Osteomalacia (Bone pain). 

While Vitamin D is most easily generated by our bodies in response to light, there are other, readily available sources of this fat-soluble Vitamin that you can incorporate into your diet to protect you.  It is found naturally in a limited number of food sources, such as fatty fish, including tuna, mackerel, and salmon and is often artificially added to other food stuffs to boost their nutritional value such as fortified orange juice, fortified milk, and some breakfast cereals. Those on a plant based diet or with other dietary restrictions are advised to complement their diets with Vitamin D as a stand-alone supplement or get the recommended daily allowance from a multivitamin. 

Source:Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms and Food Sources  

Coronavirus update from NHS England

Consider taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep your bones and muscles healthy.

This is because you may not be getting enough vitamin D from sunlight if you’re indoors most of the day.

There have been some news reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus. However, there is no evidence that this is the case.

Do not buy more vitamin D than you need.