Winter viruses are on the rise and there is one simple supplement that could help to keep them at bay over the coming months. The UK Government recommends that everyone should be taking a daily tablet to support general health through the colder months — and it costs as little as 2p per pill.
Vitamin D is recommended during winter. The body creates vitamin D from sunlight and from late March to the end of September, most people get all the vitamin D they need from sun exposure. But we often do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight between October and early March.
What does vitamin D do?
Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body — nutrients needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
Too little vitamin D can lead to bone problems such as rickets in children, and bone pain and muscle weakness in adults. This can also increase the risk of falls in older people.
Vitamin D also supports the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections .
Low levels have been linked to a higher risk of respiratory infections.
Why is it needed in winter?
There is less sunshine during the colder months and we tend to spend more time indoors, reducing the body’s ability to make vitamin D. This coincides with the time of year when viruses typically rise.
Latest data from the UKHSA last week showed flu levels were climbing, with the hospitalisation up by a third in the last week to 4.56 per 100,000 people.
Covid levels had decreased but cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) had increased and were at low-medium levels.
Where can I get vitamin D?
Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter for as little as 2p per pill.
Peter Thnoia, superintendent pharmacist at online pharmacy PillTime, advises: “While both D2 and D3 help support your vitamin D levels, D3 is generally more effective and better absorbed by the body
“If you’re relying on D2, you might not be getting the full benefits, which could impact your energy, immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing.”
Food supplements should be taken as part of a balanced and varied diet and not used as a substitute.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
