Why do we need Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a set of nutrients that our body needs in order to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and teeth. It helps the body absorb calcium to do so. The body creates vitamin D from sunlight on the skin. It can be difficult for some people to get the appropriate amount of vitamin D, especially if you are inside throughout the majority of the day. Throughout the months of October-early March, our bodies naturally absorb less vitamin D due to the winter weather conditions. This can cause a deficiency and possible health problems further down the line if vitamin D is not absorbed any other way.

Am I at risk of having a vitamin D deficiency?

Some people will not get enough vitamin D throughout their lifetimes for a varying amount of reasons. People who lack sunshine exposure regularly, such as people who work inside for long hours throughout the day, are in institutions such as care homes, or simply wearing clothes that cover the majority of their skin when outdoors tend to be deficient. Vitamin D is crucial for the body to digest, as this can prevent any bone, teeth, and muscular problems as you get older.

What are the symptoms of lacking vitamin D?

There are many symptoms that will arise when you are vitamin D deficient. These will include, getting sick or infected often. Vitamin D keeps your immune system strong, so if you are lacking in the vitamin, your immune system will weaken and you will become more susceptible to illnesses such as a cold or flu more often. Another symptom could be fatigue and tiredness. If your blood levels are lower than the stated 20, you are much more likely to feel tired or depressed a lot quicker throughout the day. Bone and back pain is another symptom of your body lacking in vitamin D. As it improves your body’s absorption of calcium, the less vitamin D you have, the more brittle and painful your bones will become over time, causing this back and bone pain to occur.

Good sources of Vitamin D

Throughout the summer months, from about April-September, our bodies are exposed to more sunlight, therefore most people should be able to get all the vitamin D that they need. However, if you are someone that doesn’t get enough exposure from sunlight, you will need to add vitamin D into your diet.  This can be found in foods such as Oily fish – e.g Salmon or sardines, red meat, egg yolks, and more. If you feel you are not eating these foods enough or regularly, you can also purchase vitamin D supplements.