Vitamin D Fact Sheet

Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in the UK and has been linked to the following health issues:

• Poor immune function - getting sick often

• Fatigue & tiredness

• Low mood & depression

• Constipation & IBS

• Low bone mineral density

• Hormone imbalances

What is vitamin D?

• Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it’s absorbed by the body through fatty tissue and then stored in these tissues or the liver

• It is made in the body from cholesterol when the skin is exposed to natural sunlight (without sunscreen)

• Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D functions more like a hormone: every cell in your body has a receptor that allows it to absorb the mineral

What does vitamin D do?

• activates cells that fight infection and reduce inflammation

• maintains and builds bone strength by aiding the absorption of calcium from your gut and kidneys

What foods contain vitamin D?

Vitamin D is found mainly in animal products such as:

• Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna

• Eggs

• Milk, butter and cheese

• Fortified foods

• Mushrooms

If you are vegetarian or vegan, it’s likely that you’ll need to supplement to get the right level of vitamin D.

Other vitamins linked to Vitamin D

• Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D in the body

• Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium, which is important for bone health

Vitamin D deficiency - who is at greatest risk?

• Anyone who lives in the northern hemisphere - that includes the UK

• If you spend most of your time indoors

• Those who eat very little fish or dairy

The link between vitamin D and overall health:

Some studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a number of medical conditions including:

• Heart conditions

• Autoimmune disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Depression

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s

It is not possible to say that vitamin D deficiency causes any of the list above, but there is a scientific rationale to keeping your vitamin D levels optimised.

What are the UK guidelines?

The NHS recommends that from October to March, everyone should consider supplementing with Vitamin D and there is special advice for babies, infants, children and breastfeeding women. Read the current guidelines here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

How do I get tested?

Your GP can arrange a blood test for vitamin D or it can be arranged privately via a Registered Nutritional Therapist as part of a consultation. It’s important to know your current level of vitamin D to determine the level of supplementation required; levels may be considered “normal” or “adequate”, but Nutritional Therapists aim for optimal levels of nutrients for the best possible health.

To book a discovery call to understand how Nutritional Therapy may help you feel better, email hello@energynutritionist.com

The content on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.