This Morning: Dr Chris discusses vitamin D and Covid
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
If you are spending a lot of time indoors, the NHS suggests you should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep your bones and muscles healthy. Over-supplementation of vitamin D, however, can be harmful and should be avoided. With more people staying indoors during the pandemic, some may have been deprived of vitamin D.
Nonetheless, the NHS says that in summer months, the majority of the population will get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight and a healthy, balanced diet.
If you or someone you care for is in a higher risk group they may need to take vitamin D supplements.
You can take vitamin D supplements as tablets, liquid or a spray, and they can be bought in a pharmacy.
Dietary vitamin D is available in foods such as oily fish, cod liver oil, red meat, fortified cereals, fortified spreads and egg yolks.
Nonetheless, the NHS says that in summer months, the majority of the population will get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight and a healthy, balanced diet.
If you or someone you care for is in a higher risk group they may need to take vitamin D supplements.
You can take vitamin D supplements as tablets, liquid or a spray, and they can be bought in a pharmacy.
Dietary vitamin D is available in foods such as oily fish, cod liver oil, red meat, fortified cereals, fortified spreads and egg yolks.
Falling short of the required amount could weaken immune defences, but if low levels are left untreated, discomfort may also arise.
Serena Coan, Nutritional Therapist, said: “Signs of vitamin D deficiency can be complicated as they are often just written off as “that time of the year”.
Some indicators of an early deficiency are hair loss, tiredness and not feeling refreshed after a full night of sleep, regular colds, slow wound healing and generally feeling run down, she said.
“Longer-term signs are aches and pains in muscles, joints and bones, potentially leading to bone disorders from insufficient calcium absorption.”
She said symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can take months to years to develop, depending on age, activity, and other factors.
For example, “a bone disorder such as rickets is likely to appear quickly in a growing child compared to bone pain in an adult”.
“Fortunately it’s been shown that it can take just four to six weeks of adequate supplementation to reverse most symptoms and support overall health.”
The NHS says taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body which can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.
If you exceed the upper limit it can lead to feelings of nausea. Other signs you have taken too much include vomiting, muscle weakness, and loss of appetite.
The Cleveland Clinic says: “Do not take higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D without first discussing it with your doctor.
“However, your doctor might recommend higher doses of vitamin D if he or she is checking your blood levels and adjusting your dose accordingly.
“Also, be cautious about getting large doses of vitamin A along with the D in some fish oils. Vitamin A can also reach toxic levels and can cause serious problems.”
Pregnant and lactating women are advised to take a daily dose of 10 micrograms of vitamin D3.
Source: Read Full Article
