Vitamin D Supplementation
By Geoffrey Hogan (M.Ost) Farringdon Osteopaths
It’s that time of year again when we all need to start thinking about taking a Vitamin D supplement.
As the days shorten and become darker the amount of Vitamin D we get from the sun diminishes. Vitamin D has a role to play in the function of many body systems. The most well known role is probably it’s facilitation of calcium absorption from the gut, keeping bones strong.
Lesser known is the effect on the brain and mood, as well as it’s role in supporting the immune system.
Through the darker months, as the level of Vitamin D in our body drops, feelings of lethargy and depression can increase as can our susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections.
The recommended daily preventative dose of Vitamin D for a healthy adult who is not taking any medication is 400 international units (10 microgrammes) according to the national Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), who actually recommend taking this dose all year round.
Solgar is a good quality Vitamin brand which I can recommend that is widely available in larger pharmacies as well as online.
If you are taking any medication, especially for blood pressure or bone strength, then please contact your GP for advice before taking any supplements.
Hopefully by taking a Vitamin D supplement throughout the darker months you will find this winter a little easier to get through, in both body and mind