Pitch-black mornings, chasing 4pm sunsets on the drive home from work, heavy downpours and months without proper sunshine. As the UK settles into autumn and thoughts begin to pivot towards wintertime, many of us start thinking about vitamin D, and how we're going to get enough supply in the absence of summer's sun exposure. In this guide, we explore some common vitamin D deficiency symptoms and explain why vitamin D supplements often become necessary in this seasonal shift.
Aptly nicknamed the 'sunshine vitamin', vitamin D is unique in the way our systems generate it naturally. This process happens when our skin is exposed to UV rays. But as daylight fades and we spend an increased amount of time cooped up indoors to avoid the cold, it's usually difficult for us to produce the amount our bodies depend on.
We often joke about heading to sunnier climes on holiday to get our 'dose of vitamin D' – especially over the darker, wetter weeks. However, you'll find more truth to that than many may realise – and it all starts with why we really need the nutrient.
Why We Need Vitamin D
Vitamin D is key for our bodies. Within our system, it plays several crucial roles, including:
- Bone health: It's essential for calcium absorption and supporting strong bones
- Immune support: It contributes to the normal performance of the immune system
- Mood: As the NHS notes, reduced sunlight can affect our body’s internal clock and how we feel
- Muscle function: It also supports musculoskeletal health.
Where Vitamin D Comes From
Unlike most nutrients we can get via fruits, vegetables, oily fish and various ingredients, vitamin D primarily comes from sun exposure. However, here in the UK – given our limited sunshine hours from October to March and the 'Great British Weather' – it typically isn't enough.
Although you can get vitamin D from sources like egg yolks, fatty fish and fortified foods, it's normally hard to obtain appropriate doses by means of diet alone. Couple this with a lack of daylight, and numerous people turn to supplementation during cooler periods. In fact, the NHS recommends considering vitamin D supplements of 10 micrograms per day in autumn and winter.
5 Tell-Tale Indicators Your Vitamin D Levels Might Be Low
While only a blood test can confirm a vitamin D deficiency, there are certain signs that could indicate you're running low.
These can include:
- Continuous tiredness or fatigue
- Picking up frequent colds or infections
- Bone pain and back pain
- Muscle weakness and aches
- Slow wound healing.
If you're experiencing the above persistently, it's worth talking to your GP who can check for a vitamin D deficiency.
Choosing the Right Vitamin D Supplement
Perhaps one of the most popular supplements to take in autumn, vitamin D supplementation can help maintain optimal levels in times when natural sunlight simply isn't sufficient.
Power Health's Vitamin D3 600IU/15MCG provides convenient support throughout the colder season in an easy-to-swallow, one-a-day format. For those who have been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency by their GP, higher strength options are available, too.
Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is an important part of staying healthy through the darker seasons. As with all dietary supplements, it’s recommended to consult with a health professional before adding new products to your regimen – particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking other prescription and non-prescription medicines.
