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The end of Summer already means statistically, around 65% of UK general population are likely clinically deficient. This is due to little sunlight exposure, or overuse of high factor sunscreen. By February next year, this will rise to 87%. If non-Caucasian or obese, the chances of being deficient are much greater. Something to remember is that this will include children who are often forgotten about. You can test for vitamin D, however if you haven’t taken any or haven’t been away to soak up some winter sun, you are likely to be one of the 87%. Winter sun is great. 30 minutes exposure can provide around 20,000iu. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s generally recommended to start taking a vitamin D supplement in the late autumn or early winter. This is when sunlight exposure, the primary source of vitamin D, begins to decrease significantly due to shorter days and reduced sun intensity. The benefits of vitamin D are:

Bone Health

• Calcium absorption: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from your diet, which is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones.
• Osteoporosis prevention: Adequate vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak, brittle bones.

Immune System

• Disease prevention: Vitamin D plays a role in regulating your immune system, helping your body fight off infections and diseases.
• Autoimmune diseases: Some studies suggest that vitamin D may help manage autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

Mood and Mental Health

• Depression: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression. Adequate levels of vitamin D may help improve mood and reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.

Patients who could be low in vitamin D, are those that report persistant pain, low mood and fatigue. if suspected, they see their GP, test privately, or take some vitamin D and monitor the changes. 

Levels are important to understand. Anything under 50 nmol/L the vast majority of labs will call deficient, if they are below 25 nmol/L, they may flag it as severely deficient. 

Low levels may leave many patients around a clinically insufficient level with calcium absorption issues. Research has shown that on average patients with 85 nmol/L will absorb a massive 65% more calcium from a standardised dose than those at 50 nmol/L. Note that the optimal level is considered to be around 100-200 nmol/L. 

Bear in mind vitamin D is fat-soluble and therefore excess body weight is a factor when dosing vitamin D. Normal dosage might be around 4-5000iu per day for the average adult during the winter months. An obese patient who is 3 stone overweight may need to consider taking 7-8000iu/day and a patient who is 5 stone overweight may need to consider taking 10-12,000iu/day. Consult a healthcare practitioner for advice on dosage.

Where to buy

Cytoplan

Cytoplan create high quality vitamin D products. There are several to choose from. They also do a children’s version. Use code BS0068-10 to get 35% discount on your first order and 10% off any others. Click here to buy online.

Inhealth Supplements

Simon Billings’ company sells premium products which I also stock in the clinic. Either pick some up at your appointment or use the link below, click “Im a patient’. Enter your details and add me as your practitioner to complete the order. Click here to buy online.

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