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    Vitamin D Deficiency




    After a recent story in the BBC News, we thought it would be useful to pass on some information regarding vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of serious ailments, such as:

    • Osteoporosis
    • Bone fractures (and falls – especially in elderly women)
    • Rickets in children – up to 25% of toddlers in the UK are deficient!
    • Infectious diseases (vitamin D can act as an up-regulator for anti-viral and anti-bacterial proteins)
    • Cardiovascular diseases

    More and more people are taking a daily supplement of vitamin D, a nutrient that is touted for its huge impact on human health. Obtaining vitamin D3 through daily supplementation all year round is the safest way to increase vitamin D levels within the body. Our modern lifestyles are depriving us of the sunshine we need as they keep us in our homes and offices for extended periods. The foods we eat rarely contain enough vitamin D3, if any at all. We need at least 2 hours unprotected sun exposure per week to satisfy our basic physical requirements for vitamin D3 and the British weather is not helping!

    What makes a good supplement?

    Vitamin D is lipisoluble (which means it needs fat to be absorbed by the body). This is a very important factor. Also, look out for supplements to help vitamin D deficiency that:

    1. Contain at least 800 IU of vitamin D3 (many studies have used 800+ IU to obtain their compelling results)
    2. Use the biological form of vitamin D, which is D3 (cholecalciferol). This is bio-identical and used more effectively by the body.
    3. Contain natural, healthy oils (such as olive oil) to enhance the absorption of the vitamin D3
    4. Use blister packaging. Most vitamins are very sensitive to light and atmosphere. Blister packs prevent all the capsules being damaged before they are taken
    5. Prioritise pharmaceutical standards. This ensures consistency and quality. Ask for certificates of analysis.