The clocks have gone back, and Brits are now enjoying an extra hour of sleep, however, it comes at a cost of darker days and fewer hours of sunlight.
With reduced exposure to natural sunlight, it’s more important than ever to regulate your vitamin D intake; essential for bone and muscle health.
Leading vitamin brand, Vitabiotics spoke exclusively to Nutritionist and Wellness Coach Rachael Sacerdoti, who weighed in on the importance of vitamin D, and how to remember to take it during the busy winter period:
Experts reveal why you SHOULDN’T skip your vitamin D supplements this winter
The body synthesizes vitamin D on exposure to sunlight. It can also be found in foods such as mushrooms, oily fish, butter and egg yolk. However, experts do recommend a daily supplement of vitamin D, especially at this time of year.
“The UK Department of Health recommends that everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing vitamin D, during the autumn and winter. According to research carried out by forthwithlife.com, 57% of UK adults are below optimum levels of vitamin D and there are a number of reasons why supplementation may be required.”
“Reduced sun exposure can affect many groups of the population such as older people who may spend more time indoors, or whose skin may not be able to synthesise vitamin D as effectively, those wearing certain religious clothing, darker skin tones, or those with increased dietary increases. For these groups in particular, supplementation can help them maintain normal levels of vitamin D throughout the year.”
As reported by the NHS, the average cost of vitamin D supplements in the UK is between 3p-6p per tablet which works out at between £10 -£20 per year. However, this is dependent on multiple factors, such as the brand you choose to buy, its strength, etc.
Keep your vitamin D levels in check all year round!
“Contrary to popular belief, your vitamin D levels may dip at any time of the year, even in the sunniest months, so I would still recommend taking vitamin D supplements even when the sun is out. Vitamin D has a wide range of benefits such as supporting the function of the immune system, contributing to normal muscle function and helping with absorption and utilisation of calcium in the body– an essential nutrient for your overall health and wellbeing.”
Image: Vitabiotics 400IU VItamin D (96 pack) RRP £3.95, costing approx 5p per tablet, Vitabiotics Wellbaby Vitamin D drops 30ml, RRP £6.75.
“For the little ones, the UK Department of Health recommends that babies from birth to 1 year of age should have a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they are breastfed or formula-fed and are having less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as infant formula is already fortified with vitamin D. And that children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.”
Sometimes, making the habit of taking your vitamins can be tricky, especially when you have a busy lifestyle. But did you know that 31% of Americans and approximately 24% of people in the UK consume Vitamin D tablets? With wintertime being one of the busiest periods of the year, Rachael has shared four top tips on how to remember to take your vitamin D tablets during this time:
Set a Daily Reminder
“The festive period can get hectic, making it easy to forget to take your vitamin D. Set a daily reminder on your phone or write it down in your planner to ensure you remember to take your recommended dose each day.”
Keep It Visible
“Place your pack of vitamin D supplements somewhere you’ll see it every day, like next to your toothbrush or on the kitchen counter. Seeing it regularly serves as a visual reminder to take your daily dose and helps integrate it into your daily routine seamlessly.”
Pair with Breakfast
“Make it a habit to take your vitamin D with your morning meal. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that includes healthy fats can help enhance its absorption. Consider pairing it with foods like avocado toast or a Greek yoghurt parfait for a nutrient-packed start to your day.”
Create a Routine
“Make taking your vitamin D a part of your daily routine. Whether it’s after a hearty breakfast in the morning or right after dinner in the evening, finding a consistent time to take your supplement can help make it a habit that you won’t easily forget.”