Why is Vitamin D important?
Vitamin D has several important functions in maintaining a balanced immune system.
It is only one of two vitamins that the body can produce on its own, the other being Vitamin K.
It is naturally produced in your skin in response to sunlight and is often referred to as the ‘sunshine' vitamin. Having a balanced amount of Vitamin D is important for the maintenance of normal bones because it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also supports muscle function and contributes to the body's natural defence against germs and harmful bacteria and helps to reduce inflammation.
Increasing the doses of Vitamin D will increase the need for Vitamin K, and studies show that a higher K2 intake improves bone density and arterial health.
Do low levels of Vitamin D increase a chance of infection?
Yes, scientific studies have shown that a deficiency in Vitamin D is linked to both an increase in infections and autoimmune conditions. In a 2017 study, researchers found that supplementing with vitamin D reduced the risk of developing a respiratory infection by 42% in participants with low levels of vitamin D.
Which foods are rich in Vitamin D?
There are two different types of vitamin D: vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 in improving levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in plant sources such as mushrooms, and other fortified foods.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesised when the skin is exposed to enough sunlight. Red meat, oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, and eggs, are the richest dietary sources of vitamin D3.
How can you boost your Vitamin D levels?
According to the NHS, babies up to the age of 1 year need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D a day. Children from the age of 1 year and adults require a minimum of 10µg of vitamin D a day, as do pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Natural sunlight is the best way to boost your levels of Vitamin D. During the autumn and winter seasons, the sun is not strong enough for the body to make Vitamin D, so it is important to get vitamin D from your diet. However, it can be difficult to get enough Vitamin D from diet alone, so daily supplements containing Vitamin D3 or D2, with D3 being more efficient at raising Vitamin D levels in the body, can be useful. You can also find supplements in a spray form which are a great choice for people who are unable to swallow capsules.
Supplements that can help boost vitamin D levels are :
Vitamin D Synergy ( Designs for Health) https://gutandhealth.co.uk/products/vitamin-d-synergy-with-vitamin-k1
Vitamin D Supreme (Designs for Health) https://gutandhealth.co.uk/products/vitamin-d-supreme
ADK- Evail ( Designs for Health)
https://gutandhealth.co.uk/products/adk-evail
Vitamin D3 High Strength ( Nutri Advanced)
https://gutandhealth.co.uk/products/vitamin-d3-high-strength
Vitamin D3 + K2 ( Better You )
https://gutandhealth.co.uk/products/betteryou-vitamindk
