Advice from the NHS is to supplement during the next few months as we get very little vitamin D in the UK at this time of year.
Low levels include symptoms like fatigue, depression, hair loss, bone and muscle pain (including toothache), pins and needles in hands and feet and getting ill more often.
The sun doesn’t rise to the occasion in winter as it stays low in the sky. During this time it’s hard to get adequate D.
It’s good for all of our bodies, even for people who don’t like to spend time with our best source of D (the sun).
It can be easy to over do it though, some shop bought vitamins contain up to twice as much as our bodies need, and getting too much D can cause dehydration, abdominal pain and muscle weakness 😲
It’s also a fat soluble vitamin which means it’s stored in your fat cells and stays in your body for longer compared to water soluble vitamins.
Anyone who has had too much D accidentally will confirm, it can take time for your body to recover.
This is why I recommend testing your levels to make sure you’re getting the right amount for you.
If you are very deficient you will require a higher dose for longer compared to someone who is maintaining their levels. If that is the case you will be able to get this on prescription.
You can get a blood test at your GP or buy a home test to check your levels.
If the D is not easy to come by this winter and your body needs a top up, you can buy it online or in a shop instead.
Be healthy this winter.
Stay sunny 😉