Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Did you know that our bodies are capable of producing vitamin D through exposure to sunlight? And if that's the case, then why would we need to take a vitamin D supplement?

As we all know, the British weather isn't always the most predictable, and summer usually only lasts a few days rather than an entire season. This means that throughout the winter, from October to March, the UK does not receive enough sunlight for our bodies to be able to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D.

Even during the summer months, those that work indoors or choose to wear clothing that covers most of the skin, the exposure to sunlight is limited. This means that almost everyone living in the UK doesn't produce enough vitamin D. We can get vitamin D through our diet as well. Oily fish such as salmon and tuna, red meat, liver, and egg yolks are good sources of vitamin D, and some breakfast cereals are fortified with it.

VItamin D is essential as it helps our body regulate calcium and phosphate levels. All of these are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Lack of vitamin D can result in bone and joint pain, fatigue, muscle cramps and mood changes, and can even lead to certain bone diseases such as rickets.

The amount of vitamin D we need depends on age and gender, so it's important to find out what value is safe for you, as although vitamin D overdose is rare, it can have serious consequences. For most adults, 10 micrograms of vitamin D is a suitable daily dose. It is not possible to get too much vitamin D via sunlight, so as long as you’re using enough suncream to protect your skin and staying hydrated, then get out and make the most of the last few nice days before the British winter arrives!

If you’ve been struggling with joint or muscle pain and want to find out if it's a simple solution of more vitamin D, or perhaps there's something else going on, then why not book in for a free discovery visit!