The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition is proposing that everyone should consider taking Vitamin D supplements to counter the lack of sunshine.

Currently only at-risk groups are advised to supplements and these include under 5s, pregnant women and over 65s.

Considering the lack of sunshine in the UK this summer this is timely advice.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has already suggested vitamin D should be given more widely to counter a hidden epidemic of deficiency in the population.

Vitamin D is made by the action of sunlight (ultraviolet light) on the skin.  How much you make will depend on your exposure to sunlight, the time of day and where you are in the world.

Dietary sources

There are a limited number of foods that provide Vitamin D but it is unlikely that we eat enough ensure that people have adequate amounts of Vitamin D.  However, these are the foods you should try to include in your diet on a regular basis:

  • eggs
  • oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring

 

Supplements

Cod liver oil or Vitamin D supplements should be considered.  If you think you may be low in Vitamin D ask your GP for a simple blood test to find out your levels.  Bear in mind these are likely to be higher in summer (if you have found the sun!) so may not reflect your overall status during the winter months.

Why you need Vitamin D

Bone health

Vitamin D is required to help calcium absorption into the bones to avoid conditions such as rickets, brittle bones and osteoporosis.

Brain Health

Vitamin D acts like a hormone in the body, and may play a role in regulating mood. It is needed to make serotonin, a brain chemical that is important for mood and wellbeing. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more likely in those with low levels of the vitamin.

Heart Health

Low level of Vitamin D have been associated with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and stroke

Obesity and weight management

Low levels of the vitamin may have an adverse affect on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Childhood asthma

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased incidence of asthma and increased severity of asthma in children.

Immunity

Vitamin D may help play a part in the health of our immune systems.  It has been shown to boost T cells, immune-system cells that recognise antigens and kill infected cells

If you would like to read more about Vitamin D, check out my previous blogs:

http://www.lucksyardclinic.com/let-the-sun-shine/

http http://www.lucksyardclinic.com/dramatic-rise-in-vitamin-d-deficiency-in-children

http://www.lucksyardclinic.com/spinal-problems-check-for-vitamin-d/

http://www.lucksyardclinic.com/vitamin-d-helps-chronic-pain/

http://www.lucksyardclinic.com/vitamin-d-may-help-treat-asthma/