Vitamin D
People having low low levels of vitamin D is very common. Around one-quarter of the population of the UK is low in vitamin D. The number rises in the winter.
Why are a lot of people low in vitamin D?
Vitamin D is only found naturally in a small number of foods such as oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks. However, it's difficult for us to get the recommended amount of vitamin D from food alone. The main source of getting vitamin D is sunlight on our skin. With the lack of sun in our country, especially over the winter months, and most people work during the day, it's easy to see why some people don't get enough.
Vegans often struggle to get enough as most of the sources are animal-based which isn't part of their diet.
Dark-skinned people often are deficient because the pigment melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure.
People with diseases like Crohn's or celiac disease can affect your intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
Healthy bones: Vitamin D plays a significant role in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. These factors are vital for maintaining healthy bones. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. (1)
Being deficient in vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults.
Reduced falls in the elderly: Elderly populations that supplement Vitamin D for a period of years tend to have significantly fewer falls and fewer subsequent hospital visits). (2)(3)(4)
Immune System: Vitamin D is critical for immune function.
It seems to reduce the risk of various upper respiratory tract infections There is evidence for a modest reduction in the risk for respiratory tract infections in general. (7)
Depression: Research has shown that vitamin D might play a role in regulating mood and warding off depression. (5)
Cardiovascular Health: There appears to doses of 1,000 IU or greater have a small effect in reducing overall cardiovascular diseases and related complications. (6)
Where to get your vitamin D levels tested
You can get your vitamin D levels checked from Medichecks.
What kind of vitamin D supplement should I buy?
Vitamin D3 supplementation (cholecalciferol) is recommended over D2 supplementation (ergocalciferol), since D3 is used more effectively in the body.
I recommend Natures Best for your supplements. It's where I buy all of mine.
Why are a lot of people low in vitamin D?
Vitamin D is only found naturally in a small number of foods such as oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks. However, it's difficult for us to get the recommended amount of vitamin D from food alone. The main source of getting vitamin D is sunlight on our skin. With the lack of sun in our country, especially over the winter months, and most people work during the day, it's easy to see why some people don't get enough.
Vegans often struggle to get enough as most of the sources are animal-based which isn't part of their diet.
Dark-skinned people often are deficient because the pigment melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure.
People with diseases like Crohn's or celiac disease can affect your intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
Healthy bones: Vitamin D plays a significant role in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. These factors are vital for maintaining healthy bones. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. (1)
Being deficient in vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and osteomalacia in adults.
Reduced falls in the elderly: Elderly populations that supplement Vitamin D for a period of years tend to have significantly fewer falls and fewer subsequent hospital visits). (2)(3)(4)
Immune System: Vitamin D is critical for immune function.
It seems to reduce the risk of various upper respiratory tract infections There is evidence for a modest reduction in the risk for respiratory tract infections in general. (7)
Depression: Research has shown that vitamin D might play a role in regulating mood and warding off depression. (5)
Cardiovascular Health: There appears to doses of 1,000 IU or greater have a small effect in reducing overall cardiovascular diseases and related complications. (6)
Where to get your vitamin D levels tested
You can get your vitamin D levels checked from Medichecks.
What kind of vitamin D supplement should I buy?
Vitamin D3 supplementation (cholecalciferol) is recommended over D2 supplementation (ergocalciferol), since D3 is used more effectively in the body.
I recommend Natures Best for your supplements. It's where I buy all of mine.