The NHS has issued an urgent reminder to Brits to take a specific pill daily at this time of year. According to the health body, we should be topping up with this supplement from October to March.
In a post made to social media platform X, the NHS explained that you should consider taking vitamin D supplements. Most of the vitamin D we naturally get comes from sunlight, however, this can become a problem in the autumn and winter.
On X, the NHS said: “From October to March we can’t make enough vitamin D from sunlight, so to keep bones and muscles healthy, it’s best to take a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D.
“You can get vitamin D from most pharmacies and retailers.”
Via its website, the NHS added that Government advice is that “everyone” should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. It specified about how much you should be taking.
“Children from the age of one year and adults need 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day,” the NHS said. “This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
“Babies up to the age of one year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day.” On the labels of supplements this may be written as “mcg” or “μg”.
Or they may use international units (IU) . One microgram of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU – so you should look for 400 IU.
There are risks that come with taking too much vitamin D. “For most people”, 10 micrograms will be enough.
The NHS warned: “Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.
“This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.
“Children aged one to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day.”
On top of this, some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. “If in doubt, you should consult your doctor,” the NHS said.
“If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.”
Other sources of vitamin D
As well as thought sunlight and supplements it is possible to get vitamin D through your diet. This includes through:
- Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring or mackerel
- Red meat
- Egg yolks
- Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
- Liver (but you must avoid liver if you’re pregnant)
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
