Stocking Up on Vitamin D ; In Association With the NHS

VITAMIN D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it does not need to be taken every day as the body stores what is not used for the future.

Most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from their diet and by getting a little sun.

However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should take 10 micrograms (0.01mg) of vitamin D eachday.

Older people should also consider taking 10 micrograms (0.01mg) of vitamin D eachday.

You might be particularly short of vitamin D, and so might want to think about taking 10 micrograms (0.01mg) of vitamin D eachday, if you: are of Asian origin rarely get outdoors always cover up all your skin when you’re outside eat no meat or oily fish.

Vitamin D has a number of important functions. For example, it helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, and calcium and phosphate are needed to help keep bones and teeth healthy.

The Food Standards Agency advises people should be able to get the amount of vitamin D they need by eating a varied and balanced diet and by getting some sun.

But if you decide to take vitamin D supplements be wary not to take too much because this could be harmful.

Taking 25 micrograms (0.025mg) or less of vitamin D supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

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