Posted on October 8, 2019
The importance of Vitamin D during winter
Vitamin D is important as it helps to regulate levels of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Whilst the summer sunshine provides our bodies with vitamin D, between October and early March we don’t get enough of this essential vitamin from sunlight. Winter light doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation to help our bodies produce vitamin D.
Vitamin D is found in some foods, including oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks, but a vitamin D supplement offers one of the easiest ways to introduce more vitamin D into your diet.
Vitamin D also supports normal immune function, so taking a supplement throughout the winter could help you stay well.
Who should take vitamin D?
The Department of Health recommends that, during the autumn and winter, adults and children over five should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
When the sun isn’t strong enough for your body to make vitamin D, taking a supplement will provide the extra support your body needs to stay healthy throughout the winter.
From March to September, you should get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight and your diet, meaning that you can choose not to take a supplement during these months.
When to take your vitamin D supplement
To ensure you remember to take your daily dose of vitamin D, take it at the same time each day, for example alongside a healthy breakfast. If travelling, remember to take your vitamin D supplement with you so you can stay healthy throughout your trip.
