Public health advice for the UK recommends everyone should consider taking vitamin D supplements in autumn and winter.
A government-commissioned report sets the recommended levels at 10 micrograms of the vitamin a day. However officials are concerned this may not be achievable through diet alone, particularly when sunlight, which helps in vitamin D production, is scarce.
Low vitamin D levels can lead to brittle bones and rickets in children.
Vitamin D can be found in limited amounts in foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified cereals. But, for most people, the bulk of their vitamin D is made from the action of sunlight on their skin.
And official estimates suggest one in five adults and one in six children in England may have low levels.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), carried out an extensive review of the findings and suggests everyone over the age of one needs to consume 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day in order to protect bone and muscle health.
In winter months people should consider getting this from 10 microgram supplements, if their diet is unlikely to provide it.
Vitamin D contributes to:
- the maintenance of normal bones and teeth
- normal function of the immune system
- normal muscle function
- normal absorption/utilisation of calcium
- and plays a role in the process of cell division
In extreme cases, low levels can lead to rickets in children – where the bones become soft and weak and misshapen as they continue to grow.
In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia – causing severe bone pain and muscle aches.
They key is getting the right levels as too much vitamin D can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood which can cause heart and kidney problems.
Anyone with a chronic condition or taking medication should seek advice from their doctor.
Meanwhile, children aged up to four should take supplements each day all year round, as should babies under one year – unless they already consume this in infant formula.
Vitamin D is available in capsule, vegetarian capsule, liquid and chews – something for everyone: Granma, Grandad, Mum, Dad and the ‘little ones’ in your life! http://www.health-interlink.com/health-wellbeing/vitamin-and-multi-vitamin-formulations.html?limit=all