Vitamin D Description

Description:

A fat-soluble vitamin which helps the body to absorb and use calcium and phosphorus. It is therefore essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Food Source:

All dairy products (apart from low fat), oily fish, eggs and fortified margarine. Food alone is unlikely to provide sufficient vitamin D and it is also formed by the action of sunlight on the skin.

Intake:

EU Labelling RDA: 5mcg

Deficiency Symptoms:

Poor growth, bone pain and deformities (ie rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults), constipation and muscle weakness.

Who might Benefit from supplements:

Anyone with low exposure to sunlight, some vegetarians and vegans, older people (over 55), pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, those concerned about osteoporosis. The Department of Health recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women take a supplement to achieve an intake of 10mcg per day. It also recommends that Asian women and children take vitamin D supplements if they have a vegetarian diet, low calcium intakes and limited exposure to sunshine.

Side Effects/Precautions:

None known. Upper safe level: 10mcg (long term usage); 50mcg (short term usage). Allows for contribution from sunlight.