Vitamin D has earned its nickname as the ‘sunshine vitamin’. Our bodies make it when sunlight hits our skin – but here in the UK, sunshine doesn’t always play ball.
From October to early March, the sun isn’t strong enough for our skin to make sufficient vitamin D. Especially when we are wrapped up in coats and scarves. And because relatively few foods naturally contain much of it, getting enough can be tricky.
The good news? A little daily habit can help.
Why do we need vitamin D?
Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphate, which we need for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. It also contributes to normal muscle function, the normal function of our immune system, and even some hormones.
Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
So while it isn’t a silver bullet, vitamin D is an important nutrient that our bodies need to keep ticking along.
Why is it harder to get in winter?
Between late March or early April and the end of September, most people should be able to get vitamin D from sunlight.
Once autumn arrives, things change. From October to early March, the UK’s sunlight isn’t strong enough for our skin to make enough vitamin D.
You can get some from food, too. Good sources include:
- Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel
- Egg yolks
- Red meat
- Fortified foods such as some breakfast cereals, milk alternatives and nutritional yeast.
But the NHS says it’s difficult to get enough from food alone.
That’s why UK guidance recommends that everyone considers taking 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D each day during autumn and winter. Some people may need to take it all year round.
D2 or D3?
You’ll usually find vitamin D in supplements in two forms: D2 and D3.
Both can raise vitamin D levels, but research suggests that D3 can be more effective at increasing the amount of vitamin D in your blood.
One study of 335 healthy women in Surrey compared vitamin D2 and D3 during winter. The researchers found that D3 produced significantly greater increases in vitamin D levels.
So when you’re choosing a supplement, it’s worth looking at more than just the number on the front of the bottle.
What should you look for?
A good place to start is with the basics:
The form: Vitamin D3 has shown advantages over D2 in clinical research.
The dose: UK guidance recommends 10 micrograms (400 IU) a day for most people during autumn and winter.
The ingredients: We trust the brands we sell. But, look for clear labelling and a formulation that suits you.
How it’s made: Viridian says its supplements are manufactured in the UK to GMP standards and contain no artificial colours, flavours or unnecessary fillers.
Viridian’s vitamin D3 has also been used in University of Surrey research looking at vitamin D supplementation during winter.
Keep your vitamin D topped up
We can’t rely on the British sunshine to do all the work for us.
During the darker months, taking 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D each day is a simple way for most people to help maintain their vitamin D intake.
And if you’re looking for a straightforward vitamin D3 supplement, you’ll find Viridian alongside plenty of other wellbeing essentials at Infinity Foods.
A little sunshine, bottled – for when the skies are doing their usual thing.
Create your own sunshine with Viridian Vitamin D it’s clinically proven to raise levels of this essential nutrient in the body.
Get a free premium umbrella worth £25 with every bottle of Vitamin D3 2000IU 150 caps bought in our shop while stocks last!
Keep the sunshine flowing even in the rain.