Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for our health and wellbeing. One such vital nutrient is vitamin D, which helps keep our teeth, bones and muscles healthy...READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Most of the vitamin D our body needs we can get from exposure to sunlight but in the autumn and winter months it becomes harder to do this as the days get darker.
Therefore, the NHS recommends taking a daily vitamin D supplement to keep levels up between October and March.
However, one expert has warned that actually you should still consider taking these supplements during the summer, or risk damaging your health.
Her warning comes as research by Forth Health, found that 57 percent of adults in the UK have below optimum levels of vitamin D.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.
Other symptoms can include fatigue, frequent illness, anxiety and slower wound healing.
Speaking to http://Express.co.uk, nutritionist and wellness coach Rachael Sacerdoti – working with Vitabiotics, explained: “The UK Department of Health recommends that everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing vitamin D, during the autumn and winter.
“According to research carried out by forthwithlife.com, 57 percent of UK adults are below optimum levels of vitamin D and there are a number of reasons why supplementation may be required.
“However even in the spring and summer months, as we know, the UK weather can be very unpredictable and reduced sun exposure can affect many groups of the population such as older people who may spend more time indoors, or whose skin may not be able to synthesise vitamin D as effectively, those wearing certain religious clothing, darker skin tones, or those with increased dietary increases.
“For these groups in particular, supplementation can help them maintain normal levels of vitamin D throughout the year.”
“When exposed to more sunlight, many would assume they’re getting sufficient vitamin D. However, while sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, there are factors that can affect its absorption, such as skin pigmentation, sunscreen use, and the angle of the sun.”
“In some cases, supplementation may still be necessary to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D in the body, especially if you have been advised to take them regularly. If that is the case, I would advise you to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before making any decisions about skipping vitamin D supplements.”
“Contrary to popular belief, your vitamin D levels may dip at any time of the year, even in the sunniest months, so I would still recommend taking vitamin D supplements even when the sun is out.
“Vitamin D has a wide range of benefits such as supporting the function of the immune system, aiding muscle function and helping with absorption and utilisation of calcium in the body– an essential nutrient for your overall health and wellbeing.”
To fully reap the benefits of a vitamin D supplement she advised taking it alongside your breakfast.
“Make it a habit to take your vitamin D with your morning meal,” Rachael said.
“Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that includes healthy fats can help enhance its absorption.
“Consider pairing it with foods like avocado toast or a Greek yoghurt parfait for a nutrient-packed start to your day.”
Aside from the sun and supplementation you can get vitamin D through your diet.
The best sources of vitamin D in food include:
Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
Red meat
Liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant)
Egg yolks
Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals.
