Vitamin D Hits The Headlines

Public Health England is recommending people consider taking daily vitamin D supplements throughout the spring and summer as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

Vitamin D has been in the news for its role in supporting the immune system. This is due to a recent study which has been published in the British Medical Journal suggesting that Vitamin D supplements could prevent over 3 million people getting colds or flu every year. This would help to explain why during the autumn and winter months, when there is a lack of sunlight, cold and flu are much more common. 

Current Government Recommendations

Public Health England have issued an update on the NHS website, which states: 'Consider taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep your bones and muscles healthy.' 

People in the UK are already advised to consider taking a supplement of 10 micrograms a day during the winter months (from October to March), and all year round if we aren't spending much time outdoors

Those people who are at a higher risk of deficiency should consider taking a supplement all year round. This includes people that lack sun exposure such as those who cover up their skin for cultural reasons, who are housebound or confined indoors for long periods.