Vitamin D isn’t just about sunshine holidays, we need to ensure adequate levels all year round.
Adequate Vitamin D levels:
- Support immune, brain, & nervous system health
- Support lung function & cardiovascular health
- Help regulate insulin levels & support diabetes management
- Reduce susceptibility to seasonal flu
And now there is growing evidence that Vitamin D supplementation could reduce risk of COVID-19 infection & death rate, leading many doctors & health practitioners to recommend supplementation at far higher levels (e.g. 5000iu) than the current (very low) official NHS guideline of 10mcg (400iu). (Note: most nutritionists, dieticians and functional medicine practitioners have always considered the government guidelines far too low, and many doctors are revising their opinions upwards of the official rda).
Vitamin D is converted to its active form by the action of sunlight on the skin. Living in northern countries and/or having dark skin can lead to you becoming deficient in Vitamin D. Getting out in the sun will help, but here in the UK will probably still not be enough – in fact, any of my clients tested by their doctors have been found to be Vitamin D deficient & so prescribed supplements by their GPs.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency may include:
- regular sickness or infection
- fatigue
- bone and back pain
- low mood
- impaired wound healing
- hair loss
- muscle pain
And at the moment, potentially increased susceptibility to & negative outcomes from, CV19.
So there has never been a better time to ensure your Vitamin D levels are adequate!
As well as sunshine and supplementation, you should look to raise your levels through diet. Vitamin D is a vat-soluble vitamin. Sources include:
- Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, pilchards, trout, herring, kippers (reasonable amounts of Vit D)
- Cod Liver oil (high in Vit D)
- Egg yolk, meat, offal & milk (small amounts but varies by season/source)
- Some breakfast cereals & yoghurts have added Vit D (aka ‘fortified’)
Need help knowing how to proceed with this or any other element of nutrition or fitness ? Get in touch! Services include: remote 121 PT sessions and remote Nutritionist consultations, dietplans, recipes and more.
Have a great day, and I hope the sun shines on you!