The government have commissioned a report (SACN) recommending that people over one year old consume 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day. Previously, the guidelines were very vague, so this is a big advance in public health.
Vitamin D is present in limiting amounts in eggs 🍳 , oily fish 🍣 and fortified products such as spreads and breakfast cereals . Sun light is also a source of the vitamin ☀️.
However, there is concern about meeting the recommended daily amount during winter months (when there is less sunlight) ☁️ 🌧.
Therefore, the government suggest you should consider taking a supplement during winter months to meet your daily requirements 💊 .
Why is Vitamin D so important?!
It is needed for healthy bones and muscles 💪🏻. Many subgroups of the population are commonly deficient in Vitamin D, and low levels can lead to brittle bones and rickets 👎🏻.
Things to consider:
✅ It is likely that companies and supermarkets will use this recent recommendation as a marketing ploy- all Vitamin D supplements will do/contain the same thing, regardless of the price and packaging!
✅ Do not be lured in by fancy marketing- an own brand supermarket supplement is likely to be just as good as a branded one
✅ Supplements should be seen as an addition to the diet rather than a replacement. Foods such as oily fish still have many other health benefits which shouldn’t be undermined!
✅ 15-20 minutes of sun exposure per day will also provide a source of vitamin D- just be sure to wear sun protection after those 20 minutes.
Read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36846894
Image: pixabay
