PHA Encourages Vitamin D Supplementation For Autumn And Winter

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is recommending that everyone consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months to maintain bone, teeth, and muscle health.

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in overall health. While it can be obtained through sunlight exposure, food, and supplements, limited sunlight exposure during the darker months can make it challenging to meet daily requirements.

The PHA advises including foods rich in vitamin D, such as oily fish, eggs, meat, dairy products, and fortified cereals, in a balanced diet. However, supplementation is often necessary to ensure adequate intake during the autumn and winter seasons. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: "During the summer months, from late March/early April to the end of September, our bodies can make the vitamin D we need from food and sunlight on our skin. However, during the autumn and winter months, with reduced daylight, we advise everyone to consider taking a 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D every day to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy."

Certain people need to take a 10 microgram vitamin D supplement every day throughout the year. These include:

• Women who are pregnant and/ or breastfeeding;

• Breastfed babies from birth;

• Babies who get less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day;

• All children aged one to five-years-old;

• People over the age of 65;

• People who have little exposure to the sun e.g., those who are housebound or confined indoors for long periods and those who cover their skin for cultural reasons;

• People with dark skin e.g., people of African, Afro-Caribbean or South Asian family origin.

Dr McCourt concluded: "You can buy vitamin D supplements at your local community pharmacy and most supermarkets. It’s important to remember that parents who have children under four years or those who are pregnant and on benefits, or pregnant and under 18, are entitled to Healthy Start vouchers – visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk for more information. If you are not sure which supplements to take, ask your pharmacist, GP or health visitor for advice."