As spring arrives and daylight hours lengthen, many people are tempted to stop taking their winter vitamin D supplements. However, dietitian Karine Patel warns that this is a common mistake that could leave your body deficient in this essential nutrient.
Patel, from Dietitian Fit, explains that sunshine alone in early spring is often too weak to trigger adequate vitamin D production in the skin. 'UV levels in March and early April are still too low, particularly if you're indoors most of the day,' she says. She advises that the correct time to stop supplementing is late April to early May, when UVB rays become strong enough for sufficient vitamin D synthesis—provided you get regular midday sun exposure.
Stopping too early can prolong a period of low vitamin D levels, impacting immunity, energy, and overall wellbeing. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, low mood, frequent illness, and muscle aches—often mistaken for seasonal exhaustion or stress.
Certain groups should be especially cautious about stopping too early, including those with darker skin, older adults, people who cover their skin for cultural or religious reasons, and individuals with conditions affecting vitamin D absorption. For these groups, supplementation may be necessary year-round.
Patel also notes that diet alone is rarely sufficient to meet vitamin D needs, as food sources like egg yolks and oily fish provide only small amounts. She recommends supplementation for most people in the UK, particularly during winter and early spring.
