Vitamins in winter: To D or not to D?
It’s known as the sunshine vitamin and is essential to our good health but for obvious reasons (hello grey skies) vitamin D often needs topping up in winter.
Made in your skin after exposure to the sun and also found in a handful of foods, vitamin D is a real workhorse in the body.
The “sunshine vitamin” helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone and muscle health, and supports cardiovascular system function.
Not only that, humans need vitamin D to support immune health, never more important than in winter with lurgies lurking around every corner.
In winter we’re exposed to more bugs, but spend less time outdoors and so get less vitamin D-making sunshine. Which is not an ideal mix!
Many of us are lacking in vitamin D
Statistics show around a quarter of all Aussies – and about a billion people worldwide – have a vitamin D deficiency.
So how do you up the D factor?
- Be smart about your food choices
A limited number of foods contain small amounts of vitamin D.
While these foods alone are not enough to give you what you need, it doesn’t hurt to include them on your shopping list.
Egg yolks, liver, oily fish (such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring) all contain vitamin D. You’ll also find vitamin D-fortified options in milk powder, margarine, fresh milk and cereal.
- Get outdoors
It might be cold outside but you can still catch some rays. Go on walks with the kids and the dog. Try a little gardening. Find a sheltered spot to sit and read.
In the late autumn and winter in the southern states of Australia, when the UV index is typically below 3, it is recommended you aim to go outside in the middle of the day for your D fix. But, of course, follow sun safe guidelines too!
- Top up with a supplement
If you suspect you are vitamin D deficient, the first step is to talk to your GP about a simple test.
If dietary intake is insufficient, vitamin D supplements are available over the counter and come in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, powder and liquid.
GO Healthy’s GO Vitamin D3 1,000IU is a high strength and convenient 1-A-Day formulation that comes in easy to absorb SoftGel Capsules.
Simple, easy and no fuss vitamin D goodness to help in maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth, as well as supporting the health and function of your immune system.
Helping you find the sunshine in even the gloomiest winter’s day.
* This post is brought to you by GO Healthy’s GO Vitamin D3 1,000IU. Vitamins can only be of assistance if dietary vitamin intake is inadequate. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
