Vitamin D

 

    • What is Vitamin D?

      Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are essential to keep our immune system working properly too, helping us to resist illnesses. If you’re worried about your body’s ability to fight off sickness, consider taking supplements of Vitamin D for immune support.

      Producing or supplementing Vitamin D for bone health is vital, as a lack of Vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children. It can also lead to bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.

    • Sun icon, symbolising sunlight

      Vitamin D and Sunlight

      In Europe, from about late March to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the Vitamin D that they need from sunlight. When outdoors, the body can create the needed Vitamin D from direct sunlight that falls on the skin.

      Unfortunately, between October to early March, we do not get enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone. Thankfully, taking Vitamin D for deficiencies can greatly help.

    • Good Sources of Vitamin D

      Vitamin D is also found naturally in a small number of foods. Sources of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2 can include:

      • Oily fish
      • Red meat and liver
      • Egg yolks
      • Formula milk
      • Fortified foods, such as some spreads and breakfast cereals
    1 3

    Signs and Symptoms of Low Vitamin D

    The following symptoms can indicate you are low in Vitamin D and should therefore consider taking a supplement:

    • Tiredness
    • Bone and back pain
    • Muscle weakness and spasms
    • Frequent infections
    • Poor sleep patterns
    • Pins and needles
    • Hair loss
    • Sensitivity to pain
    • Irritability or mood changes

    Who needs Vitamin D?

    • Adults

      Vitamin D is important in almost every area of health for adults. Vitamin D can support:

      • Immunity
      • Skeletal health
      • General health and wellbeing

      Shift workers who have limited exposure to sunlight should consider supplementing with at least 400 IU of Vitamin D daily, all year round.

    • Children

      For children especially, Vitamin D for bone health is incredibly important. Research suggests the vitamin is also essential for:

      • Muscle function
      • Healthy teeth and gums
      • Strong immune system

      Children can supplement with 400 IU of Vitamin D daily, all year round.

    • A graphic representation of a baby silhouette crawling on the floor

      Infants

      Not getting enough Vitamin D means that an infant's bones can become soft, are more likely to break, and the infant is more likely to develop rickets. Vitamin D is important for:

      • Strong, healthy bones
      • Development of immune systems

      Breastfed infants can supplement with 300 - 400 IU of Vitamin D daily (3-4 Drops of Pro D3 Liquid Drops), all year round.

    • Ethnicity

      Extra Vitamin D is recommended all year round for anyone who covers their skin or for individuals who have darker skin including those who are of:

      • African heritage
      • African-Caribbean heritage
      • South Asian heritage

      EFSA recommend that adults can safely take up to 4000 IU of Vitamin D daily, all year round.

    • Pregnancy

      Mothers need enough Vitamin D for both themselves and their developing infants. Vitamin D is essential for:

      • Uncomplicated pregnancies
      • Healthier, full-term babies
      • Developed immune systems
    • Silhouette of an elderly man walking with a cane

      Elderly and Housebound

      Taking D Vitamin supplements as you get older is important, as it is harder to get outside and make Vitamin D from the sun. The elderly may also find it harder to absorb Vitamin D from their diet. This vitamin is essential for:

      • Reducing the likelihood of falling
      • Decreasing the risk of fractures
      • Maintaining cognitive function
    1 6