Vitamin D is an important nutrient which helps keep muscles, bones and teeth healthy (NHS, 2020). Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium. There are many ways in which the the body can obtain vitamin D. This includes direct sunlight and foods like oily fish and egg yolks.
Due to difficulty obtaining vitamin D from food alone, everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider a daily supplement.
Obesity, age, skin colour, auto immune conditions and limited sun exposure can contribute to the deficiency People who have dark skin or people who are often not outdoors should also consider a supplement.
Some common foods that include vitamin D is eggs, fish like salmon and tuna, oranges, tofu and oatmeal.
There are different doses of vitamin D depending on your need for it. There are important elements to consider before taking regular supplements including treatment of conditions like IBD, heart failure and asthma. Contact your GP for advice regarding doses. The NHS website also has many helpful resources and advice regarding vitamin D.
A 2014 review of 32 studies shows that low vitamin D equates to a higher risk of premature death. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, osteoporosis high blood pressure, low mood and some cancers. Nice guidelines also stated that vitamin D may treat or prevent covid 19.