Why Test Your Vitamin D Levels?
Research shows that Vitamin D is important for general health and wellness. Vitamin D is produced in the skin via exposure to the sun, but in the UK more than 50% of the population don’t make enough Vitamin D, and in the winter the Government advises that we should all supplement with Vitamin D because most of us are deficient, when sunlight levels are so weak that we cannot produce Vitamin D even when outside. Even in the summer, Vitamin D deficiency is common due to the use of sunscreen and spending a lot of time indoors.
Signs You May Have a Vitamin D Deficiency
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Getting ill often
- Poor immune system
- Bone and back pain
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we Need Vitamin D?
Every cell in our body needs Vitamin D. In its most extreme forms, Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia (bone softening) in adults. Vitamin D contributes to a healthy immune system and plays a role in the process of cell division. Vitamin D also contributes to the maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and teeth. More information about the importance of Vitamin D can be found on the NHS website.
Where do I Get Vitamin D?
The principal source of Vitamin D is your own skin. A chemical compound naturally present in the outer layers of skin is converted, on exposure to UV-B radiation, to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). However, we manufacture this Vitamin D only if we expose our skin to UV-B radiation. You can also get Vitamin D from food, supplements, and other UV-B sources.
How Much Vitamin D do I Need?
The amount of Vitamin D you need depends on many factors include ethnicity, geographical location and diet. It also depends on whether someone is deficient (ie blood tests).
The body needs at least 4,000 IU/day in order to maintain a healthy concentration of Vitamin D in the blood. Because most of us don’t get enough sun exposure, the little Vitamin D we get this way, plus food and fortified food sources, totals no more than about 2,000 IU/day. So, in order to meet the body’s need for at least 4,000 IU/day, most adults should take supplements.
Is it Important to Take Vitamin D Daily?
Vitamin D doesn’t have to be taken every day as long as the total dose is sufficient. It can be taken weekly or monthly. The important thing is to achieve and maintain a range of 41-60 ng/ml (102.5-150 nmol/L).
What About Calcium & Vitamin D?
Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels and contributes to the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium. With inadequate calcium or Vitamin D intake, there is inadequate calcium absorption.
How do I Solve a Vitamin D Deficiency?
Measure the vitamin D levels in the blood, then achieve Vitamin D intake from UV-B exposure, eating fortified foods, and having a supplement until your levels are 41-60 ng/ml (102.5-150 nmol/L). If you are unsure, you can also ask your GP to check your Vitamin D levels.
