Should I Be Taking Vitamin D?
30-40% of the UK population are deficient, so here's ways on boosting your vitamin D levels throughout the year!
We've put together a guide all about vitamin D, and what to do to ensure you are getting enough:
Why do we need vitamin D?
Vitamin D’s primary role is in maintaining healthy bones. With up to 300,000 people hospitalised each year because of fragility fractures, it is essential that deficiencies don't occur in this critical nutrient.
This essential vitamin is also vital for strong teeth, immune boosting and fighting infections! Only problem? our bodies can't create this mood boosting, body strengthening vitamin itself and the main direct source of getting this naturally is sunlight (which we don't have a lot of in winter in the UK!), therefore it's best to turn to other ways to get our daily dose.
How much vitamin D do I need per day?
A reference nutrient intake (RNI) of 10 micrograms (400IU) vitamin D per day has been set for everyone in the UK aged 4 years and older.
Where can I get vitamin D from?
Vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin for good reason. Vitamin D is manufactured within the body in response to sunlight reaching our skin.
JUICE AND FOOD
Juices and shots containing vitamin D are a great way to get your daily dose (plus they taste great!). Here are some of our PRESS faves to boost your vitamin D levels:
Vitamin D shots:
Our Vitamin D shot helps to promote healthy bones and support our immune, brain and nervous system health!
Golden Glow smoothie:
The turmeric and cayenne are a perfect combo for boosting your immune system and give you a that glow inside and out!
Foods containing vitamin D:
There are few naturally rich food sources of vitamin D. Key foods include:
- Egg yolks
- Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines
- Animal products such as meat, fat, liver and kidneys contain small amounts of vitamin D (but we would need to consume considerable amounts of all the above obtain to reach our RNI, which is not only difficult but also not advisable for us or the planet!)
Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency:
It was not until last year that Public Health England (PHE) revised their, guidelines and now recommend that everyone are to obtain 10 micrograms (400IU) vitamin D daily.
This may be easy for some in the summer, but during the winter, the whole population may be at risk of deficiencies due to the lack of sunlight!
Therefore PHE advise that everyone in the general population aged 4 years and older should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400IU) during the months of October-April.
It is thought the ability to absorb vitamin D from sunlight decreases with age, and along with reducing exposure to sunlight, we tend to see lower blood levels of vitamin D in older adults.
People aged 65 and over are now recommended to take 10 micrograms (400IU) vitamin D supplements on a daily basis throughout the year.
All pregnant and breastfeeding women should take vitamin D supplements of 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day
How can I test for vitamin D deficiency?
A blood test with your GP can determine if you are deficient in vitamin D!
Tap to shop our cleanse which is high in vitamin D
