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Vitamin D
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which has various roles in maintaining overall health. Essential for teeth, bones, muscles and the immune system, it plays a crucial part in absorbing other nutrients within the body. Specifically, vitamin D takes centre stage in dental health by actively supporting the absorption of calcium and phosphate. This dual action contributes to the formation and upkeep of strong, healthy teeth!
Where can we get vitamin D from?
In summer, a lot of our vitamin D intake is made in the body from exposure to sunlight. However, during the winter months when sunlight is limited, we should look for other sources of vitamin D. There are small amounts of vitamin D in foods such as oily fish, egg yolks, fortified plant-based milks, fortified breakfast cereals and red meat. Fun fact – if you put mushrooms in the sunlight for about 15 minutes, they generate vitamin D!
It can be difficult to get all the vitamin D the body needs from food, especially for vegetarians or vegans due to the lack of meat and eggs in the diet. Therefore, it may be necessary to consider taking supplements. Vitamin D supplements can be found in most UK supermarkets and pharmacies.
Where can we get vitamin D from?
In summer, a lot of our vitamin D intake is made in the body from exposure to sunlight. However, during the winter months when sunlight is limited, we should look for other sources of vitamin D. There are small amounts of vitamin D in foods such as oily fish, egg yolks, fortified plant-based milks, fortified breakfast cereals and red meat. Fun fact – if you put mushrooms in the sunlight for about 15 minutes, they generate vitamin D!
It can be difficult to get all the vitamin D the body needs from food, especially for vegetarians or vegans due to the lack of meat and eggs in the diet. Therefore, it may be necessary to consider taking supplements. Vitamin D supplements can be found in most UK supermarkets and pharmacies.
What are the recommendations for vitamin D supplements?
As we don’t get much sun in the UK in colder months, it is recommended that everyone aged one and above take 10 microgram (μg) supplements in autumn and winter months (October-March).
Some people are recommended to take 10 μg supplements all year round. This includes children aged 1-4, people with dark skin (such as those from African, Afro-Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds), and people with limited exposure to sunlight (such as people in care homes or people who cover their skin when outside).
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Throughout December, we will be sharing a Christmas countdown on our social media - each day will include a top tip for oral health!
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