How to get more Vitamin D

Our expert dietetic team have put together a post all about getting more Vitamin D and why it’s important.

There’s been a lot in the news lately about whether Vitamin D can reduce the risk of getting Coronavirus. Although there’s still not enough evidence to say either way, Public Health England (PHE) is now re-publicising its advice from 2016 to take a daily supplement of 10 micrograms.

So how can you get Vitamin D? Our main source of vitamin D is from sunshine on our skin; very little comes from food. There are concerns from PHE that a large number of vulnerable people may be getting less exposure to the sunshine due to shielding from the virus.

Vitamin D is an essential part of maintaining bone health. This is particularly important for our students at Treloar, as many are at increased risk of low bone mineral density (weaker bones) as they tend to have poor mobility or are non-weight bearing. Some students also go outside less frequently and are often more protected by clothes or sunscreen when they do.

As dietitians, we’re keen to remind everyone to make sure that all students take a daily vitamin D supplement and enjoy around 20 minutes of sun exposure to bare arms and/or legs. Whilst it’s important not to burn in the sun, wearing sunscreen significantly reduces the amount of vitamin D we absorb – so it’s important to get the balance right.
Going outside in the sunshine not only tops up our vitamin D; there’s also plenty of evidence that it’s good for improving mental health and promoting a sense of wellbeing. What’s not to love about that?

The Treloar’s Dietetic Team

Further information about Vitamin D can be found at:
https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/vitamin-d.html