People across the UK are being urged to begin taking a daily pill that can cost under 4p per day. From October 1, the Government recommends that everyone consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement.
Why vitamin D matters
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which is crucial for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A lack of this vitamin can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and osteomalacia, or “soft bones”, in adults.
From late March or early April through to the end of September, most people should be able to obtain all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. However, as the darker months approach, a daily supplement is advised.
Who needs extra vitamin D
Those at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, including children aged one to four, and babies consuming less than 500ml of infant formula per day, should take a supplement throughout the year, the NHS advises. Children from the age of one and adults require 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D daily. This applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those considered at risk of deficiency.
The Department of Health and Social Care advises that babies up to one year old should receive a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D year-round if they are breastfed, or if they are formula-fed and consuming less than 500ml (approximately a pint) of infant formula daily.
Sources and cost
As well as sunlight, vitamin D can be found in a handful of foods, including oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals. NHS guidance states: “Since it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.”
Vitamin D tablets are available from Boots, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Asda for under 4p per pill.
