Essential Winter Vitamins: Vitamin D3 The Sunshine Vitamin

Nov 21, 2022 Vitamins and Supplements

 

Once the clocks change, especially here in the UK, we have fewer sunshine hours every day.

This, added to the fact that we tend to hide indoors more due to the appalling UK weather means our sunshine vitamin or Vitamin D stores can be depleted.

Topping up vitamin D levels over the winter months makes sense. Keep reading to find out why…

 

What Does Vitamin D Do?

 

Vitamin D is an important vitamin which helps to regulate calcium in the body, as well as phosphate. These are needed to keep your teeth, bones and your muscles healthy.

Vitamin D is also known to help heart health, protect your gums and even boost brain function.

When you don’t have enough vitamin D as an adult you can suffer pain from bone-related conditions.

Young children who don’t get enough vitamin D can develop a condition called rickets which leads to bone deformities. While it sounds unreal that not having enough of a simple vitamin can cause these problems in modern times, it certainly can.

Thankfully, the solution is relatively simple.

 

When is a Vitamin D  Supplement Needed

 

According to the NHS website, “Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter” - Many people can get enough vitamin D from sunlight between March/April and September and during these times they may not feel the need to take a supplement.

There are, however, some people who are vulnerable even during those sunnier months (not that the UK gives us many sunny months). These may include anyone who does not go outside a lot, i.e. in a care home or another scenario. 

If you are in doubt about whether a vitamin D supplement during the warmer months would be advantageous for you, ask your GP for advice. Many who take vitamin D take it around the year which is fine as long as the dosage is correct. 

 

How do I Know if I Have Enough Vitamin D?

 

If you aren’t sure whether you should be taking a supplement you can check your Vitamin D levels from home.

The Vitamin D blood test kit from Welzo, allows you to take a sample of your blood, register with Welzo and send your sample to a UK lab for processing and results as well as comments from a certified doctor.

A more simple test at home version, is the Suresign Vitamin D Test whichrequires a quick fingertip prick to test your blood (all instructions come with the kit).

A handy colour-coded results card will show whether you are at risk of low levels of vitamin D. This test can be a handy indicator if you want to speak to your doctor or start a supplement.

It’s also a good way to check your levels before increasing the amount of vitamin D you take. 

 

Vitamin D Supplements from SimplyMeds Online

 

We have vitamin D products for all the family, here at Simply Meds Online. The Wellbaby Vitamin D Drops are to be given once a day and help to promote growth and the expected development of bones for children.

The instructions explain how to measure the dosage and an easy-to-use indicator is included.

Other products that may be suitable include Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D3 tablets and Hux D3 (2000iu) which is to be taken every two weeks.

Please make sure that if you are taking vitamins or any medication or treatment you check the dosage instructions and get advice if unsure.
 

Other Sources of Vitamin D

 

The best source of vitamin D is your own body which produces it when exposed to sunlight outdoors. This doesn’t work as well during the autumn and winter months and for some people who might find it difficult to absorb sunlight or similar.

You can find vitamin D in a small group of foods which include egg yolks, red meats, and liver as well as in oily fish such as mackerel and salmon. Anyone who follows a vegan diet, for example, would not eat many of these foods. 

You may notice that some food have the label, “fortified” which means that vitamins are added. Breakfast cereals are a good example of a fortified food, as are some fat-based spreads.

Outside of these foods and through absorbing sunlight the only and often easiest/best way to ensure that you have enough vitamin D is by using a supplement. 

 

Conclusion

 

There are many reasons, outside of the usual rubbish UK weather, that might cause you to have lower levels of vitamin D. You may follow a diet that limits or restricts foods which contain vitamin D.

There are many scenarios that may mean you don’t absorb sunlight well or have access to outdoor sunlight often enough during the warmer months. Whatever the scenario, taking a supplement could be a good way to boost your immune system and strengthen your bones, teeth and more.

If you have any concerns about whether taking vitamin D is appropriate for you, speak to your GP or pharmacist.