Vitamin D

June 19, 2024

### Vitamin D: Essential for Your Health

**Role of Vitamin D**

Vitamin D is crucial for regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are necessary for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Insufficient vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia in adults, causing bone pain.

**Government Advice**

The government advises everyone to consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter. High-risk groups, including children aged 1 to 4 and all babies (unless consuming over 500ml of infant formula daily), should take a supplement year-round.

**Sources of Vitamin D**

From late March to the end of September, most people can produce all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. The body synthesises vitamin D when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight outdoors. However, between October and early March, sunlight is not strong enough to produce sufficient vitamin D.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include:

- Oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel)
- Red meat
- Liver (avoid if pregnant)
- Egg yolks
- Fortified foods (some fat spreads and breakfast cereals)

Supplements are another source of vitamin D, particularly important in countries like the UK, where cow's milk is not typically fortified with vitamin D.

**Daily Vitamin D Requirements**

Most people can produce enough vitamin D from sunlight between late March and September. However, from October to early March, dietary sources and supplements are necessary.

- **Children aged 1 year and adults**: 10 micrograms (mcg) daily, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and those at risk of deficiency.
- **Babies up to 1 year**: 8.5 to 10 mcg daily.

**Should You Take a Vitamin D Supplement?**

**Advice for Adults and Children Over 4 Years Old**

During autumn and winter, it is challenging to obtain enough vitamin D from diet alone. Therefore, everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider a daily supplement of 10 mcg of vitamin D. From late March to September, most people can produce enough vitamin D from sunlight and a balanced diet, possibly negating the need for supplements.

**People at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency**

Certain groups may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight due to limited exposure:

- Those who are rarely outdoors (e.g., frail, housebound, or in care homes)
- Individuals who usually cover most of their skin when outdoors

People with darker skin (e.g., African, African-Caribbean, or South Asian backgrounds) may also struggle to produce enough vitamin D from sunlight. These individuals should consider a daily supplement of 10 mcg throughout the year.

**Advice for Infants and Young Children**

- **Babies (birth to 1 year)**: A daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 mcg of vitamin D if they are breastfed or formula-fed and consuming less than 500ml of fortified infant formula daily.
- **Children aged 1 to 4 years**: A daily supplement of 10 mcg of vitamin D throughout the year.

Vitamin D supplements or drops are available at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Families eligible for the Healthy Start scheme can receive free vitamin D supplements.

**Risks of Excessive Vitamin D Intake**

Overconsumption of vitamin D supplements over time can cause hypercalcemia, leading to weakened bones and potential kidney and heart damage.

- **Adults and children over 11 years**: Do not exceed 100 mcg (4,000 IU) daily.
- **Children aged 1 to 10 years**: Do not exceed 50 mcg (2,000 IU) daily.
- **Infants under 12 months**: Do not exceed 25 mcg (1,000 IU) daily.

Individuals with certain medical conditions may need to follow specific advice from their doctor regarding vitamin D intake. You cannot overdose on vitamin D through sunlight exposure, but it's essential to protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure to prevent skin damage and skin cancer.

**Conclusion**

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Supplements are particularly important during autumn and winter or for those at risk of deficiency. Always follow guidelines to ensure adequate but not excessive vitamin D intake.