Vitamin D is an essential fat soluble vitamin and hormone that contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscles through utilising calcium and phosphorus.* It is also used to support the normal function of the immune system and the process of cell division.*

Over the past few years the importance of maintaining normal levels in the blood has been not only recognised, but is heavily promoted within public health policy. Everyone has a different requirement of vitamin D but it is easiest to break down advice into seasons:

Autumn and Winter

During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet and supplementation because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D. The angle of the sunlight hitting the earth prevents as many UVB rays from penetrating the atmosphere and rays cannot reach the skin. Since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone over 5 years (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should follow Public Health England (PHE) advice and take a 10-microgram supplement in autumn and winter.

Spring and Summer

Between late March to the end of September, most people can make all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet. However, the UK Department of Health and Social Care recommends that you take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if you:

• Are not often outdoors during sunshine, for example, if you’re housebound, work long shifts indoors, or stay in an institutional setting.
• Usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when outdoors.
• Have dark skin you may also not make enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been found to be higher in polluted cities as ‘smog’ also prevents UVB rays reaching the skin.

Altruvita Vitamin D provides 25 micrograms (1000IU) vitamin D to support your health.

* GB REGISTERS ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH CLAIMS