As we head into some warmer weather (hopefully!) let’s talk about the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ – yes, you guessed it, Vitamin D!

Specifically, are you getting enough?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in helping us utilise calcium and phosphorus to maintain healthy bones and teeth, and it also boosts our immune system to fight infections. 

Adequate Vitamin D levels can even help ward off seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu.

There are two types of Vitamin D: D2 and D3.

Vitamin D2 must be ingested from food or supplements as it cannot be produced in the body.

Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is synthesised (made) when your skin is exposed to sunlight.

While many foods contain Vitamin D, such as fish, eggs, and mushrooms, the recommendation for all adults in the UK is to also take a Vitamin D supplement, especially during the non-summer months or if you have limited sun exposure.

Are you getting enough Vitamin D from the sun?

For some, soaking up the sun during those fleeting moments between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM is enough to boost their Vitamin D levels, but it’s not always that straightforward.

Factors like skin pigmentation, colour, obesity, age, and sunscreen can throw a bit of a curveball into the mix.

Our skin’s cholesterol precursor for Vitamin D2 and D3 decreases by a whopping 50% between the ages of 20 to 80.

So, ensure you consume a variety of Vitamin D-rich foods, enjoy some sun exposure, and perhaps also consider taking a Vitamin D supplement as recommended by the NHS.