Dr Ellie on why people should be taking Vitamin D supplements
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The first thing to note is that it’s not just about the time of the year, but the time of day when it comes to vitamin D supplements.
Dr Perry said they “should be taken in the morning”. The reason for this comes down to how our body reacts to sunlight.
Dr Perry explained: “Supplements should be taken in the morning. This is because if we’re getting Vitamin D naturally from the sun, we are synthesizing it during the day so it’s better to be taken in the morning.”
As a result, it is about replicating the internal system’s vitamin D timetable. Dr Perry also discussed the impact of too little vitamin D on the body.
On this process, Dr Perry said: “The main source of Vitamin D is the sun. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to lack of energy and fatigue, so it’s only natural that by getting your daily dose via the sun’s natural exposure it will boost energy levels.
“We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight exposure from around late March/early April to the end of September with simple exposure of arms and legs two to three times a week for 15-20 minutes.
“However in winter the UK’s sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation for our skin to be able to make enough vitamin D so we need to get these from food sources”
Sources high in vitamin D include salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, red meat, egg yolks, liver, and fortified foods.
Having too much vitamin D can also have a negative impact on the body.
“Taking too much Vitamin D as a supplement over a long period of time can cause calcium to build up on the body which can weaken the bones, damage the heart and kidneys” explained Dr Perry.
He added: “This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly and children aged 11-17. Children between one and 10 years shouldn’t exceed more than 50 micrograms with infants under 12 not exceeding more than 25 micrograms.”
While there will undoubtedly be a lot of talk about vitamin D and sources of it this winter, some may be wondering: “What is it?” Fortunately, Dr Perry has the answer to this too.
The GP describes vitamin D as “a fat-soluble vitamin important for bone health”.
He added: “For those low in this nutrient, increasing intake may also reduce depression and improve strength. If you’re thinking about taking Vitamin D supplements in the first instance contact your GP.”
While anyone can develop a vitamin D deficiency, some are more vulnerable than others and it can have an impact on our mood too.
Dr Perry says: “Vitamin D deficiency has more impact on post-menopausal women than it would men. Vitamin D is often referred to as “the happy hormone’ this is because sunlight increases serotonin levels which in turn may make you happier.
“Serotonin – the body’s natural happy hormone is an important chemical and neurotransmitter in the human body. It is believed to help regulate mood and social behaviour, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire.”
What is a serotonin deficiency?
“Serotonin deficiency is a common contributor to mood problems. A vitamin D supplement can help with the regulation of insulin flow and balance blood sugar, allowing the body’s natural hormone cycles to function more effectively” says Dr Perry.
Explaining further, he said: “Estrogen increases the activity of the enzyme responsible for activating vitamin D and so declining estrogen levels during the menopausal transition could lead to symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.”
Furthermore, vitamin D is essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
This will become ever more crucial as we head deeper into winter.
Source: Read Full Article