Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D supplements help to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

Where do we get Vitamin D from?

Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to direct sunlight on the skin while outdoors.  From Spring through to the end of Summer, most of us are able to get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight.  However, from October through to early March, we tend not to get enough.

Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods, such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks, and fortified spreads or breakfast cereals.

Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.  Many people choose to take these supplements, especially during the winter.

Vitamin D deficiency

The signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, muscle cramps, mood changes like depression, nausea, cognitive difficulties, and frailty.

The elderly are at higher risk since they tend to spend less time outdoors or avoid sunshine.  Also, as we age, the skin produces less vitamin D.

Muscle weakness and aches can lead to people wanting to spend less time outdoors.  In turn, this can lead to difficulty standing up and climbing stairs.  Falls may be more likely amongst those not getting enough vitamin D.  People with Vitamin D deficiency have softer bones, and they are more likely to injure themselves seriously or break bones as a result of falls.

Vitamin D supplements

Vitamin D is a crucial component of healthy ageing.  Taking 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and early March will help to keep our bones and muscles healthy.

Some people may benefit from taking supplements year-round if they are frail or housebound and so not often outdoors.  Also, if they usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin, or have dark skin.

Excessive vitamin D intake over a prolonged period can weaken bones, damage the kidneys, and harm the heart.  Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, consult your doctor.  If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.

You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. But always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you’re out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Please click here for further information – www.nhs.uk/get-vitamin-d 

The team at Gardiner’s will be happy to help you speak with you GP should you think that Vitamin D supplements may benefit your health.

See our commitment to responsible publishing.