So what’s all the vitamin D fuss about?
As winter approaches, and dark nights set in, the importance of vitamin D, aptly named ‘the sunshine vitamin’ is stronger than ever.
Research reveals that almost 50% of the adult population are unaware of government guidelines about the need for essential vitamin D supplementation, and British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports state that more than 50% of the adult population have insufficient levels of vitamin D during winter and spring. With NHS guidelines advising a daily 10 microgram (mcg) vitamin D supplement ‘should be given to people who are not exposed to much sun3, it has never been more important to understand essential guidelines on vitamin D supplementation.
We’ve all know that we’re supposed to stock up on vitamin D, but without year round sunshine, how are we supposed to wrap up warm, and get our daily dose? We’ve scoured the country for the best experts to give you the A-D on RDAs, and other acronyms you might not have even known existed!
Going Green?
Nutritionist and Natural Health Expert, Nadia Brydon explains: “We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight on our skin, which is comparable to how the single-celled green algae, Sun Chlorella ‘A’, is rich in this natural nutrient as it is grown in natural sunlight. In addition, Sun Chlorella ‘A’ is a natural whole food and is free from synthetic ingredients which allows the body to maximise its health benefits.” Available in tablets, and NEW Sun Chlorella ‘A’ granules, a daily serving of Sun Chlorella ‘A’ provides 1,320IU– so significantly helps reach daily vitamin D requirements. Sun Chlorella ‘A’ also contains an amazing quantity and variety of nutrients and is composed of 60% pure plant protein; the daily intake of essential amino acids plus vitamin A, vitamin B12, B6, folic acid, iron and fibre.
Sun Chlorella is priced £21.95 for 300 tablets (a 20-30 day supply) and in NEW Sun Chlorella ‘A’ Granules, perfect for beauty boosting smoothies, priced at £21.95 for a 20 x 3g sachets box (one month’s supply) available from www.SunChlorella.co.uk, free phone 0800 008 6166, www.victoriahealth.com, www.NutriCentre.com, www.bodykind.com, Revital stores, www.revital.co.uk and good health stores.
Drink in the sunshine
If you’re on the go, it can be difficult to remember to take your essential vitamins, Bryonie Holleart, Nutritionist for Morrisons NuMe range, explains “Morrisons NuMe Lemon Balm boost drink is fortified with a number of vitamins, and includes 100% of your RDA of vitamin D, so you can stock up at any time.”
Morrisons NuMe Lemon balm boost drink, 500ml, £0.59, available from Morrisons supermarkets nationwide
Liquid Gold
“Scientists have discovered that vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. The majority of vitamin D is produced through the skin’s exposure to sunlight, however getting enough sunlight during the winter months is almost impossible,” said Kate Butler, Nutritionist for Holland & Barrett.
“The lack of sun in the autumn and winter months means vitamin D levels in most people decrease dramatically, increasing the need for a supplement to help strengthen immunity.”
Liquid Vitamin D has a great tasting natural orange flavour, making it ideal to take the drops directly in your mouth or to add to juices and other drinks. Take four to ten drops daily, preferably with a meal, for a quick immunity boost.
Sunvite ® Vitamin D³ is a fast acting, more potent and active liquid form of the vitamin, - £9.49 for 59ml.
Supplement your sunshine
During winter in the Northern Hemisphere the sun’s rays are not strong enough to stimulate the natural production of Vitamin D. Some researchers have shown that use of supplemental Vitamin D can offer more pronounced symptom-alleviation for SAD sufferers, even when compared to light therapy (the standard treatment)7. Dr Sam Christie recommends using a supplement with a minimum of 1000 units (iu) a day, such as Nature’s Best Vitamin D3 1000iu.
Nature’s Best Vitamin D3 1000iu priced at £8.95 for 180 tablets, visit www.naturesbest.co.uk or call 01892 552 094
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