Vitamin D3 appears to be more effective than vitamin D2 at helping the body reach its necessary vitamin D levels. For this reason, if you’re taking supplements, vitamin D3 may be your best choice. What dose of vitamin D3 supplements do I need? Skin conditions, which can also worsen during the winter months, might be helped by vitamin D's role in cell division. In the skin, where cells renew on average every 28 days, topical vitamin D (known as calcitriol) has been shown to reduce the amount of skin inflammation and irritation in people living with psoriasis.

Some medications, such as thiazide diuretics, can interact with vitamin D supplements and cause harmful effects ( 8). Obtaining vitamin D through a supplement or topical application can help prevent the damage associated with UV exposure, including premature skin ageing (wrinkling, loss of elasticity and uneven tone). Babies and children are at risk, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, and middle-aged adults. The elderly may not go outside for long periods and have less exposure to UVB. They may also have small appetites and eat less healthily. Older people also tend to cover their skin more with clothing. Ageing reduces your natural ability to produce vitamin D in sunlight.you are already taking, or are prescribed, a medication that contains vitamin D by your GP or healthcare professional Your vitamin D needs depend on a variety of factors. These include your age, skin color, current blood vitamin D levels, location, sun exposure, and more ( 17). Research also shows that vitamin D aids your immune system and may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers ( 2).

The guidance is for everyone including pre-school children, and the elderly. It applies to us all, and not just to those in specific high-risk or vulnerable groups. If your vitamin D levels are too low, this reduces the absorption of calcium from the gut, by up to 90%. Please read this document in full before you decide whether to opt in and before you start taking the vitamin D supplements that have been provided to you. Taking vitamin D safely But it's hard to get enough from food alone – a salmon fillet contains around 13mcg vitamin D (but you're unlikely to eat one every day), boiled eggs only have 1.6mcg, and a bowl of fortified cereal around 2.5mcg. What's the difference between vitamin D2 and D3? What’s more, a recent analysis found that having lower blood levels of vitamin D was associated with an increased risk of heart disease ( 20).Obesity is known to significantly impair the production of vitamin D3 when the skin is exposed to UVB. Anyone who doesn’t get much exposure to the sun – such as people who work indoors, or are housebound, or who tend to cover up when they go outdoors – will be short of vitamin D, and will need more than the Department of Health’s recommended minimum of 10μg per day. However, experts have cautioned that much smaller amounts could be associated with health risks. The Food and Nutrition Board indicates that even amounts less than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 4,000 IU (100 mcg) could have negative health effects over time ( 7).

If there is an additional benefit for COVID-19 or other respiratory infections, this would be a bonus.

SPECIFIC BENEFITS

We are one of the UK's fastest growing supplement and health product brands, here are just some of the reasons why Incite Nutrition is the trusted source of health supplements for so many of our valued customers: These capsules also have a more advanced, highly absorbable formulation, which includes a drop of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil to help the body absorb the maximum amount of vitamin D. Though both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 can increase blood levels of vitamin D, some research suggests that vitamin D3 is more effective ( 7).

It may not be a coincidence that most respiratory infections, including seasonal flu, are much more common in the winter months when days are short and dark, and vitamin D levels tend to be lowered. Vitamin D deficiency – who is at risk? The warning signs for vitamin D deficiency aren't always obvious. Read more about the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. SUNSHINE VITAMIN - Vitamin D supports the normal functioning of the immune system, helps to maintain strong bones and teeth and supports muscle function Thus, people who have medical conditions that reduce fat absorption are prone to vitamin D deficiencies. These include inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), liver disease, and people who have had bariatric surgery ( 14, 45).

To put this in context, eggs are a good source of vitamin D – but you would still need to eat 22 eggs to equal one 25µg tablet (equivalent to 1000iu vitamin D). Vitamin D capsules Eat well, live better, stay healthy: sign up to our free monthly Food & Health newsletter for the latest insights delivered straight to your inbox However, caution is needed. The available evidence comes from observational studies only, and these do not prove causation. High levels of vitamin D can be harmful. UK scientists warn that you should not take high levels of vitamin D, to prevent or treat COVID-19. People with darker skin have increased amounts of melanin in their skin. This absorbs more UVB. This then means they need longer hours of sun exposure than people with pale skin, to produce adequate vitamin D levels.