Nutritionist Rachel Sacerdoti has shared her expert advice on whether you should take vitamin D supplements over the summer, despite the rising temperatures.
As the sun starts to shine brighter, you’ll absorb more Vitamin D, which is essential for keeping your bones and muscles in tip-top condition.
But should you stop taking your vitamin D supplements when the sun is out? Vitamin giant Vitabiotics has teamed up with nutrition guru Rachel Sacerdoti to expose whether it’s wise to keep taking vitamin D tablets, which you can buy from your local supermarket for just £1.50 for a pack of 60, during the sunny season.
She explained: “The UK Department of Health is recommending that everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, consider taking a daily supplement containing Vitamin D during the autumn and winter months. According to a survey carried out by fourthwithlife.com, 57% of UK adults have below optimal levels of Vitamin D and there are a number of reasons why you may need a supplement.”
“However, as we all know, the UK weather is highly unpredictable, even in spring and summer, and reduced exposure to sunlight can affect many population groups, including older people who spend more time indoors, those whose skin cannot synthesise vitamin D efficiently, those who wear certain religious clothing, those with darker skin and those with larger diets. For these groups in particular, taking supplements can help maintain normal levels of vitamin D all year round.”
“Many people would assume that getting plenty of sunlight will ensure they get enough vitamin D. However, while sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, there are factors that affect vitamin D absorption, including skin pigmentation, sunscreen use, and the angle of the sun.”
“In some cases, especially if you have been advised to take vitamin D regularly, you may still need to take supplements to ensure sufficient vitamin D levels in your body. In that case, we recommend consulting your doctor or medical professional before taking the decision to not take vitamin D supplements.”
“Contrary to popular belief, vitamin D levels can drop all year round, even in the sunniest months, which is why we recommend taking a vitamin D supplement even when the sun is out. Vitamin D has a wide range of benefits, including supporting immune system function, aiding muscle function and helping the body absorb and utilise calcium, a nutrient essential for overall health and wellbeing.”
“For infants, the UK Department of Health recommends that because infant formula is already fortified with vitamin D, infants up to one year of age who are breastfed or formula-fed and drinking less than 500ml (about one pint) of infant formula per day should be given a supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily, all year round. Children aged 1 to 4 years should be given a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily, all year round.”
Sometimes it can be hard to remember to take your vitamins, especially when you’ve got a busy schedule, but did you know that 31 percent of Americans and around 24 percent of Brits take vitamin D tablets?
Summer is one of the busiest times of the year, and Rachel shared four tips to help you remember to take your vitamin D tablet during this time, reports Bristol Live.
Set a daily reminder
Rachel said: “Summer days can be busy and it’s easy to forget to take your vitamin D. Set a daily reminder on your phone or write it down in your planner to help you remember to get the recommended amount each day.”
With breakfast
“Make it a habit to take your vitamin D with breakfast. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, consuming it with a meal that contains healthy fats can help improve absorption. Pair it with foods like avocado toast or a Greek yogurt parfait for a nutritious start to your day,” says Rachel.
Keep it visible
Rachel advises: “Place your vitamin D supplement packet somewhere you’ll see it every day, such as next to your toothbrush or on the kitchen counter. Seeing it regularly will serve as a visual reminder of your daily intake and make it an easy part of your daily routine.”
She also suggests creating a routine, saying: “Make taking your vitamin D part of your daily routine. Whether that’s after a hearty breakfast in the morning or just after dinner at night, finding a consistent time to take your supplement will make it a habit you won’t easily forget.”
