Health professionals can’t stress enough the importance of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is “vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles because of its unique ability to influence the amount of calcium in our bodies,” Dr Alexandra Phelan, GP with the NHS and Pharmacy2U told Daily Star Online.
She continued: “A vitamin D deficiency may lead to more serious health conditions such as rickets in children, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.”
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include fatigue and tiredness, but it is possible to get too much vitamin D too.
The NHS continued: “Don’t take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.
“This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.
“Children aged 1 to 10 years shouldn’t have more than 50 micrograms a day.
“Infants under 12 months shouldn’t have more than 25 micrograms a day.”
Dr Alexandra Phelan, GP with the NHS and Pharmacy2U, said: “Children over the age of one and adults need 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily.
“While vitamin D occurs naturally in some foods such as oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolk, and specially fortified foods, including breakfast cereals and fat spreads, the main source is sunlight.
“However, always remember to cover up or use sun protection if you are outdoors for long periods of time to avoid sun burn and skin damage.”
She added children aged one to four should also have supplements all year because they are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency.
Alexandra added: “Vitamin D supplements are widely available from your local or online pharmacy and supermarkets.
“However, if you are uncertain about whether or not you should be taking a supplement, speak to your GP or online doctor.”
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