Studies have revealed that an alarmingly large proportion of the nothern European population with poor UV exposure have lower than normal vitamin D levels.

A recent report has suggest that exposing your skin to UV radiation in order for your body to produce vitamin D3 could be “highly irresponsible”.  Obtaining vitamin D3 through daily supplementation all year round is the safest way to increase vitamin D levels within the body. *

It is estimated that intakes of up to 75 IU per kilo of bodyweight per day would be a safe alternative to extended sun exposure and would reduce the risk of skin damage.  Also, during the months of October through to March, people living in the northern hemisphere won’t get enough of the correct UV light needed, due to the sun being too low in the sky.

The half-life of vitamin D is estimated to be up to 8 weeks, so don’t expect your summer holiday to keep your levels up throughout the winter.

Why should we care so much about vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of serious ailments, such as:

• Osteoporosis
• Bone fractures (and falls  – especially in elderly women)
• Rickets in children – up to 25% of toddlers in the UK are deficient!
• Infectious diseases (vitamin D can act as an up-regulator for anti-viral and anti-bacterial proteins)
• Cardiovascular diseases

What makes a good supplement?

Vitamin D is lipisoluble (which means it needs fat to be absorbed by the body).  This is a very important factor.  Also, look out for supplements that:

1. Contain at least 800 IU of vitamin D3 (many studies have used 800+ IU to obtain their compelling results)
2. Use the biological form of vitamin D, which is D3 (cholecalciferol).  This is bio-identical and used more effectively by the body.
3. Contain natural, healthy oils (such as olive oil) to enhance the absorption of the vitamin D3
4. Use blister packaging. Most vitamins are very sensitive to light and atmosphere.  Blister packs prevent all the capsules being damaged before they are taken
5. Prioritise pharmaceutical standards.  This ensures consistency and quality.  Ask for certificates of analyis.

Everyone should take a vitamin D supplement.  Pharma Nord’s Bio-Vitamin D3 D-Pearls are tiny, easy to swallow, safe and inexpensive at only £6.95 for 120 blister-packed capsules.

 

*Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2010, Vol 62, Iss 6.