The power of sunshine: All you need to know about vitamin D

All you need to know about vitamin D

By Dr. David Mantle –

Did you know over 50% of the UK population are deficient in vitamin D due to lack of quality sun exposure? Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent during the winter months, so it’s time to start thinking about your intake.

All you need to know about vitamin DWith Vitamin D Awareness Week launching on the 19th October, nutrition brand Pharma Nord is discussing the benefits of Vitamin D and how you can get more of it.

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According to a survey, 46 per cent of people think they get enough vitamin D from vegetables.

 

In fact, the best source of the vitamin is sunlight. We need to get around 90 per cent of our daily requirement from UV rays, but unfortunately we don’t get enough sunshine!

The highest rates of deficiency are found in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland due to limited exposure to strong sunlight. As a result, many people are turning to supplements to ensure they get enough of this important vitamin.

 

Why vitamin D?

Support your bones and muscles

Vitamin D is vitally important for bone health. Without vitamin D, calcium cannot be effectively absorbed by your body. A deficiency in vitamin D can result in bone and muscle pain, poor bone mineralisation (softer bones) and a greater risk of osteoporosis and fractures as we age. It’s especially important to look after your bone and muscle health if you engage in regular physical activity too.

Are you fed up of catching colds?

Vitamin D can stimulate the body’s production of anti-viral and anti-bacterial proteins, making it an effective nutrient to boost immunity and protect against colds and flu. In fact, some studies have suggested that vitamin D may offer more powerful cold and flu protection than vitamin C.

Mental health and wellbeing

If you feel tired or low you could be in need of a vitamin D boost. There are links between vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that usually begins in the autumn and continues throughout the winter months. Symptoms can include feeling sad or anxious, fatigue, concentration problems, irritability and feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Although its exact cause is unclear, numerous studies have suggested that the condition may be triggered by a lack of sunlight.

Don’t be deficient

Sunbathing or working in the garden on a bright summer day can enable your body to make 10,000 IU of vitamin D, but how often do we get the chance? The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) estimates that more than 10 million people in the UK are deficient in vitamin D.

Now is your chance to try Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3

When choosing a vitamin D supplement, look out for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as it’s identical to the form produced naturally in the skin. Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3 contains vitamin D3 dissolved in organic, cold-pressed olive oil so your body can absorb the contents more easily. Try to avoid dry, chalky tablets for this reason. The tiny capsules are easy to swallow and blister packed for freshness.

John Hannen Bio-Vitamin D3-1000IU-80Special offer

Visit www.multivits.co.uk and use discount code VITD15 to receive 15% off Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3.

 

Dr. David Mantle, FRSC FRCPath is medical adviser at Pharma Nord, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of vitamins and minerals. For free nutritional advice you can contact Pharma Nord on 01670 534 900 or info@multivits.co.uk

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The power of sunshine: All you need to know about vitamin D
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