The world of nutritional supplements can feel like a bewildering multiverse of conflicting advice. But there’s one thing on which experts agree: we all need vitamin D in winter. “It is crucial for maintaining bone health, immune function and overall wellbeing,” says Sophie Medlin, a consultant dietitian and head of nutritional research at the supplement brand Heights. “It regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and supports muscle function and immune defence.When we don’t get enough vitamin D, we are more susceptible to illness, can have muscle weakness and bone loss, and can even be at higher risk of problems such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.”
The best source of this vital vitamin is the sun on our skin — so during the winter months, when sunlight is scarce, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D from natural sources alone. The NHS advises that during the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D. Since its difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter [2[2[2[2].
Studies have shown that vitamin D can be effective in its treatment whether the vitamin comes from direct sunlight, supplement or a topical skin application [3[3[3[3]. This underscores the importance of ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation during the winter months.
vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, particularly during the winter when sunlight exposure is limited. Taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D is recommended to ensure sufficient intake and support bone health,immune function,and general wellbeing.
interview with Sophie Medlin: The Importance of Vitamin D in Winter
Q: Can you explain the crucial role vitamin D plays in our health, especially during winter?
A: Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. It regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and supports muscle function and immune defense. Without adequate vitamin D, we are more susceptible to illnesses, muscle weakness, bone loss, and even higher risks of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
Q: How do we typically get vitamin D, and why is it especially challenging in winter?
A: The best source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure on our skin. During winter, when sunlight is scarce, it becomes challenging to get enough vitamin D from natural sources alone. That’s why the NHS recommends getting vitamin D from your diet and considering daily supplementation, especially during the autumn and winter months.
Q: What are the recommendations for vitamin D intake during winter?
A: The NHS advises that everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Since it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, supplementation is significant.
Q: Are there different ways to obtain vitamin D effectively?
A: Studies have shown that vitamin D can be effective whether it comes from direct sunlight, supplements, or topical skin applications. This underscores the importance of ensuring adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation during winter.
Q: Why is it so critical to maintain vitamin D levels during winter?
A: Vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, especially during winter when sunlight exposure is limited. Taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D can help ensure sufficient intake, supporting bone health, immune function, and general wellbeing.
Concluding Thoughts
Vitamin D is vital for maintaining health, particularly during the winter months. Ensuring adequate intake through dietary sources and supplementation can help prevent deficiencies and support overall wellbeing. Follow NHS guidelines for vitamin D supplementation during autumn and winter to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
