Recently I did a post about all the different dietary supplements and the pros and cons to the different types and in that, I spoke a bit about vitamins. Well, vitamin D is a vital vitamin that up to 50% of UK adults are vitamin D deficient. I figured, seeing as it’s something that people clearly have a lack of knowledge on, I’d go into a bit more detail about the vitamin so, without further ado, here we go!
Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin when we are exposed to strong sunlight. Experts suggest up to 50% of UK adults are deficient in vitamin D due to limited sun exposure.
Vitamin D works in many ways within the body, it increases the absorption of calcium from food, ensuring healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to maintain healthy muscles and a healthy immune system. Good levels of vitamin D have been linked to reduced joint pain and improved exercise capacity, most recently vitamin D has shown to positively effect the health of heart failure patients.
Small quantities of vitamin D can be found in foods such as oily fish, eggs, meat and milk however it is very difficult to get the sufficient amount of this essential vitamin without regular exposure to strong sunlight, or by taking a supplement.
So, how much vitamin D does your body need?
Although the amount of vitamin D required by each individual can vary, as a guide we would recommend the following dosages:
800 IU (20micrograms) – Teens / Adolescents, 1-2 tablets per day
1000 IU (25 micrograms) – Adults, 1-2 tablets per day
5000 IU (200 micrograms) – To be taken by vitamin D deficient adults, 1 tablet per day
For a more accurate dosage requirement we would advise getting a Vitamin D3 deficiency test from your doctor.
Why choose Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3?
So, my personal favourite is Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3. When choosing a vitamin D supplement, look for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as it’s identical to the form produced naturally in the skin. Vitamin D is a fat-soluable vitamin so try to avoid dry, chalky tablets and go for oil-based options as they are more easily absorbed by the body.
Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3, contains vitamin D3 dissolved in cold-pressed olive oil and encapsulated in small, easy-to-swallow “pearls” of soft gelatine so it’s ideal. The daily intake does wonders for you and I personally take a few different tablets and various other things in the morning so I enjoy getting some goodness in me from these excellent tablets.
