VITAMIN D

Did you know that 20% of the population in the UK have a vitamin D deficiency and 60% of the population are considered as having insufficient levels of vitamin D? According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) 1 in 6 adults are deficient!

SO WHAT EVEN IS IT?

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins responsible for the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. Vitamin D is mostly stored in the liver. Two major forms of vitamin D exist; D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is fat-soluble and as such, being delivered in a fattier format aids absorption. Low fat foods fortified with vitamin D won't be as good as full fat products. Animals need sunlight to make vitamin D and so intensively farmed animals and animal products won't be rich in vitamin D. Consume products which are free-range and grass fed instead.

Our bodies create vitamin D from sunlight on the skin. What you're not told is that sunscreen with SPF 30 and above effectively blocks out UVB rays, indirectly reducing vitamin D production by up to 95%. The sunlight from October to March is not enough for your body to produce the needed amount of vitamin D, so during this time period, a higher intake of vitamin D is required. Having an IM vitamin D injection is a quick way of ensuring these levels are maintained.

Vitamin D ingested orally can take weeks, even months to have an impact on your health- and much of the dose is lost when it is converted in the gut and the reason why we recommend intramuscular injections.

SO WHAT DOES TAKING VITAMIN D DO?

• Supports the immune system

• Aids the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the body

• Maintains bone density and bone health

• Helps prevent osteoporosis

• Protects against heart disease

• Reduces inflammation

• Supports brain function

• May alleviate symptoms of arthritis

• May help protect against respiratory infections

• Regulates the activity of more than 200 different genes

• Vital for good oral health and prevent dental issues such as cavities

SIGNS YOU MAY BE VITAMIN D DEFICIENT

Vitamin D deficiency can put you at higher risk of health conditions including heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and depression. Signs you may be lacking in this vitamin include:

Fatigue & Low Energy Levels

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Eczema

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Low Mood

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Muscle Weakness

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Hair Loss

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Musculoskeletal Aches & Pains

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Impaired Cognition

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Fatigue & Low Energy Levels 〰️ Eczema 〰️ Low Mood 〰️ Muscle Weakness 〰️ Hair Loss 〰️ Musculoskeletal Aches & Pains 〰️ Impaired Cognition 〰️

CAUSES OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY?

• Chronic Conditions such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease can cause malabsorption preventing the body from using nutrients from food.

• Kidney and liver conditions can cause a deficiency whereby problems arise with converting vitamin D into its active form.

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Obesity

• Diet (Low fat or Vegan)

• Stress which is taxing on the immune system

• Age - elderly people make less vitamin D due to poorer skin absorption's and the body is less efficient in converting to its active form.

• Skin colour - Darker skin tones or skin that tans easily makes less vitamin D compared to paler skin.

• Wearing high SPF when outdoors blocks out UVB rays reducing vitamin D production.

• Long periods of time spent indoors reducing exposure to the sunshine such as office jobs.

• Covering up your skin when outside