Why vitamin D is essential for year

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is very important in helping our bodies maintain optimal bone density and in supporting our overall immune system. Studies also suggest it is important for heart, brain and metabolic health. Despite its importance, an estimated 40% to 75% of the world’s population is deficient in this essential nutrient, particularly in regions like the UK where sunlight is often limited. There are several factors that can affect whether we have optimal blood levels of vitamin D and this is why taking a vitamin D supplement all year round, even during the summer, is very beneficial for general health and disease prevention. Understanding vitamin D and how we get it Vitamin D3, the most beneficial form of vitamin D, is synthesised by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. It helps our bodies absorb calcium in the body which is essential for maintaining bone density and overall health. While the sun is the easiest and most affordable way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, you can also get it from the foods you eat. Foods such as red meat, liver, oily fish, tuna and egg yolks all contain vitamin D and can help contribute to your overall daily requirements. Unfortunately, even though you can get vitamin D from the sunlight and your diet, there are many factors that can get in the way of you reaching your daily requirements and this is where taking a daily supplement year-round can help. Factors that affect vitamin D absorption 1.Use of sunscreen and protective clothing Your skin needs to be exposed so that sunshine can directly hit it. According to Dr Nyjon at The Natural Doctor, spending just 15 minutes in the sun two to three times a week can increase your vitamin D levels. However, this becomes a challenge when the days are shorter and the weather is cloudy. In the colder months, the sun may come out but very often you are bundled up in all your warmest clothing and may not be absorbing as much vitamin D as you think. Even in the summer, SPF and clothing creates a block and in turn minimises the vitamin D your body gets. It is important to always continue protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and not overexpose your body in order to get more vitamin D. For these reasons, vitamin D absorption is not always optimal and this is where a daily supplement can help. 2. Darker skin tones Another barrier to your body synthesising vitamin D is if you have darker skin. People with darker skin have a harder time manufacturing vitamin D than those with lighter skin so they need to spend a longer amount of time in the sunshine. As the colder months creep in, this can be difficult to do. 3. Ageing skin As your body ages, your skin can also lose its ability to manufacture vitamin D3 which can in turn affect your health. This is where taking a daily supplement can aid in your overall wellness. 4. Dietary restrictions Vegetarians and vegans may struggle to get enough vitamin D since the richest food sources are animal-based. This challenge becomes even greater in the winter when fortified foods and supplements become necessary. According to Dr Nyjon, it is very difficult to take too much vitamin D. While the UK government advises that vitamin D supplements should be taken in the autumn and winter, it is a good idea to still top up your vitamin D intake with a supplement in the summer months due to all the barriers to vitamin D absorption. Dr Nyjon also recommends taking vitamin D alongside vitamin K2 as it aids in the proper distribution of calcium throughout the body, preventing unhealthy build-up of calcium. This helps with cardiovascular health as it means that the calcium is directed to the bones instead of accumulating in the soft tissues, arteries and organs. Vitamin D is essential in preventing many diseases and maintaining overall health. Unfortunately, it is often not possible to get all the vitamin D we need from sunshine and our diets, especially in the UK. This is where taking Vitamin D supplements throughout the year alongside a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet, can be beneficial for our health. If you would like to talk more about what dosage is best for you to optimise your health the natural way, contact Dr Nyjon and his team today. References NHS website. Vitamins and minerals – vitamin D. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/ ​​Vermeer, C., et al. (2018). Beyond deficiency: potential benefits of increased intakes of vitamin K for bone and vascular health. European Journal of Nutrition, 57(1), 1-10. ​​Kurnatowska, I., et al. (2016). Effect of vitamin D on aortic remodeling in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Journal of Vascular Research, 53(6), 355-365. ​​