Vitamin D and Health, Vitamin D deficiency in Winter.

Vitamin D has been at the forefront of media during this lockdown and pandemic. Headlines stating that it is important for immune health, and how we are not getting enough from our daily diet. Today’s article will investigate the hype behind Vitamin D and how to make sure you are getting enough of it.

What we know about Vitamin D in the body?

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that humans are capable of making within their skin (under the right conditions). Also, we can gain vitamin D from an adequate and balanced diet.

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin, this is because, remarkably, UVB rays can convert an inactive form of Vitamin D into an active form within the skin. That being said, this conversion is not guaranteed and is subject to many specific conditions, for example, in the UK the required level of UVB rays are only typically available between late March/early April to the end of September. Moreover, these rays are most prominent between 11am and 3pm. Furthermore, the skin must be uncovered and unprotected, recommendations state that 15 mins of uncovered and unprotected skin should provide us with our daily dose of Vitamin D. Additionally, studies show that more melanated skin converts less vitamin D than less melanated skin. Other groups of people at risk of vitamin D deficiency include, those who are unable to get out the house/office regularly. During these recent times, this includes people who are shielding. Not to mention, people in care homes, disabled, shift or office workers.

Health Benefits of Vitamin D

Our daily UK recommendation for Vitamin is 10mcg/day or 400iu. According to a wealth of research on the nutrient, Vitamin D is responsible for numerous roles within the body. The most well-known being its role in bone maintenance. Additionally, Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels. When combined with Calcium, Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the loss of bone mineral in people 60 years of age and older, and post-menopausal women which can reduce the risk of bone fractures. Lastly, Vitamin D has been shown to support a healthy immune system and inflammation response.

Sources of Vitamin D

15 mins in sunshine between April and September
Egg yolks
Liver
Oily Fish (tuna, trout, salmon and sardines)
Some varieties of mushrooms
Fortified foods such as cereals, plant-based milks and fruit juices
Supplement forms of Vitamin D

The Government, Lockdown, and Vitamin D

Below is a statement from the Secretary of Health, Matt Hancock:

'Because of the incredible sacrifices made by the British people to control the virus, many of us have spent more time indoors this year and could be deficient in vitamin D. A number of studies indicate vitamin D might have a positive impact in protecting against COVID-19. I have asked NICE and PHE to re-review the existing evidence on the link between COVID-19 and vitamin D to ensure we explore every potential opportunity to beat this virus.'

Below is a statement from the NHS:

‘It's important to take vitamin D as you may have been indoors more than usual this year.

You should take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and March to keep your bones and muscles healthy.

There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D to prevent or treat coronavirus.

Below is a statement from Public Health England (PHE):

To protect bone and muscle health, everyone needs vitamin D equivalent to an average daily intake of 10 micrograms. Since it is difficult for people to meet the 10-microgram recommendation from consuming foods naturally containing or fortified with vitamin D, people should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D in autumn and winter.

Our New Vitamin D Patch

To make it easier than ever to reach your daily Vitamin D recommendation we have created a new and easy-to-use Vitamin D Patch. Each patch contains 25mcg or 1000iu of Vitamin D which is 250% of your daily requirement. All it takes is one patch every 24 hours to gain the maximum health benefits for your wellbeing.

Each pack contains 30 patches to last you 30 days of wellness. You may like to consider the patches if you do not like to take tablets. In addition, the patches are easy to apply, easy to wear and an easy source of daily nutrition.

To Shop All our Vytaliving Vitamin D Products, Click Here