Even if you have had a great summer, as Winter approaches you need to think about vitamin D supplementation, as it is only stored in the body for about 2/3 months and is difficult to obtain sufficient quantities from our diet. If you are someone who suffers from low mood over the winter or craves the sun, or has had bone fractures, you may be deficient in Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is important for muscles, nerves and is a major factor in the immune system. Together with calcium and magnesium, vitamin D also helps protect bones by moving calcium into our bones.

Unfortunately many people spend more time indoors, over-use sunscreens resulting in more people are becoming deficient.

Who is at risk?
• Those with black or brown skin
• People who cover up when they go out or avoid the sun
• Institutionalised people
• Pregnant women
• Those who use lots of sunscreen
• People with auto-immune diseases
• People who have poor absorption such a coeliacs and those with Crohns

During the summer Sunbathe sensibly (10 – 15 minutes without burning) and during winter supplement with Vitamin D3 2,000 iu per day (unless you are at risk then should supplement all year round). Some sunscreens contain a lot of toxic chemicals so you may want to cover up with light clothing and a hat rather than over use sun lotion.

Eat oily fish 2/3 times a week along with full fat milk and egg yolks will provide small small amounts of D

If you think you are deficient (many people are especially those with auto immune conditions such as psoriasis), get yourself tested. Some GPs will do it, otherwise, Birmingham City Hospital offer a home test finger prick blood test £28. Go to http://www.vitamindtest.org.uk or call 0121 507 4278 for a pack.
Find out more www.whatseatingyou.co.uk

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