The winter season is upon us once more and here in the UK we’re longing for a ray of sunlight to pop it’s head through the thick clouds and rain. During the long, dark days we often abandon the idea of the sunshine and wrap ourselves up in a Netflix series cuddled up next to a cosy, crackling fire to keep ourselves warm.
As human beings, the sun is a direct giver many essential vitamins. One of the main Vitamins we make through exposure to the sun is Vitamin D. This is manufactured in the body with the aid of UVB (sun radiation). We should always be sure to properly protect our skin against the strong rays and be mindful of not spending massive amounts of time in intense sunshine. However it is recommended that we spend a minimum of 20 minutes per day in direct sunlight in order to achieve our minimum dosage of vitamin D per day.
Vitamin D
We need vitamin D to help sustain healthy bones, teeth and muscles. This is mainly due to the direct influence vitamin D has on calcium and phosphate absorption into the body.
It is often unattainable in the UK, to expect to spend a minimum of 20 minutes per day in the sunshine across the winter period and it is during this period that we may begin to suffer form vitamin D deficiency.
Warning signs include:
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Low mood, depression
- Back/bone pain or muscular pain
- Hair loss
- Paleness, gaunt complexion
Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common for people in the UK and other countries that suffer with low sunlight levels across the winter months. If you are suffering from symptoms such as these, consult your GP or naturopath and discuss a vitamin D supplement. There are many good supplements to choose from available on the market.
People largely at risk are:
- Infants and the elderly
- People with darker skin
- Vegans/vegetarians
- People who do not get adequate exposure to natural sunlight
Be safe and healthy this winter season.
