Vitamin D

Take your daily dose of vitamin d and boost your vit d levels to support healthy bones, teeth and development plus many more benefits. Vitamin d  helps the body absorb calcium from food, making bones strong and healthy. It also regulates blood clotting and keeps muscles working properly.

FAQs

How do I get enough of it?

The best way to ensure you are getting enough vitamin D is by exposing yourself to sunlight for 10-15 minutes a day. This will help your skin produce its own natural form of vitamin D – known as 7D2.  Lacking vitamin d is totally normal, especially around winter. We can help our body get the right amount of vitamin D without the sun’s rays by taking supplements. 

Why should we be concerned about our vitamin D levels?

Low levels of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones) and rickets in children. Adults may experience muscle weakness, poor sleep quality, depression, anxiety or even heart disease.

Why do we need to take vitamin D supplements?

We all have different needs based on age, lifestyle, season and genetics. If you don't know what yours is then ask your doctor. They will be able to tell you if you're deficient.

How much should I be taking?

The NHS recommends that everyone over the age of 50 takes 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day. The RDA for adults is currently 15 micrograms per day. 

If you're under 18 years old, the recommended dose is 5 micrograms daily. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding then take 20 micrograms daily.

How long should I stay on a vitamin D supplement?

The general recommendation is to take a vitamin D supplement for at least 6 months. However, some experts suggest that you continue taking a vitamin D supplement indefinitely.

What is the best strength of vitamin D to take?

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults in the UK is 10mcg per day. This should be taken as a supplement. If you are taking a multivitamin then this will cover most of your needs. However, if you have a specific health condition that requires additional supplementation, talk to your GP.

Can I use vitamin D3 instead of D2?

D3 has been shown to be more effective in increasing serum 25(OH)D concentrations than D2 but there isn't enough evidence to say whether one form is better than another.

Are there any side effects from taking vitamin D?

There are no known adverse effects associated with vitamin D supplementation. Some people may experience mild stomach upset when they first start taking it. You should consult your GP before starting a new supplement regime.

Is there anything else I need to think about when using vitamin D?

While vitamin D is safe and well tolerated by many people, some individuals may still develop symptoms of hypervitaminosis D. These include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, headache, confusion, seizures and even death. Talk to your GP if you notice these symptoms.

It's strongly recommended that you take a vitamin D supplement during the winter. Why? Because the vast majority of our daily vitamin D comes from the sun. And during the winter in the UK, the sunlight often isn't strong enough to give us enough vitamin D. (Plus, we probably spend less time outdoors when it's cold and yuck.)

What happens if I don't eat foods rich in vitamin D?

You might not realise it, but certain foods contain vitamin D naturally. Eggs, oily fish like salmon and mackerel, mushrooms and fortified milk products such as soya drinks are just some examples.

People often ask whether vitamin D can give you energy, help with skin problems like psoriasis, help with arthritis, keep you awake, help with weight loss, and so much more.