The truth about vitamin D supplements

Sunshine is the best boost for our vitamins D levels.
As well as a fantastic uplift for our emotional wellbeing.

It only takes 15-20 mins of sunshine a day, on exposed skin, to rejuvenate our Vitamin D levels.

To create vitamin D we need enough sunlight exposure onto our skin.
Our bodies are very adapted to make plenty of vitamin D.

If you’re concerned about the harmful rays of the sun, even the British Dermatological Association now acknowledges that we need to make the most of the winter sun.

Avoid lying in scorching sun, or causing redness or sun-burn.

During COVID, I recommended vitamin D supplements to boost immunity.
But recent studies have no shown no benefit in taking extra vitamin D (unless deficient in it)

I can now stand by my beliefs that a healthy diet, getting outside and being active are key for our health and wellbeing.

The foods that boost our Vitamin D levels are mushrooms, oily fish, milk, cheese, kefir and yogurt.
I recommend eating a whole-foods-based diet that’s rich with a diverse range of plants,

Do we need supplements?
The latest research shows that, unless you have been given specific advice from your doctor, we do not need supplements.

We all have our own personal Vitamin D level that suits us.
We don’t all need the same amount
We just need the right amount for our bodies.
Which is affected by genetics, sunlight and out diet.

Vitamin D is important for bodily functions and immune health (our response to allergies, response to aging and cancers).
But it is not good to take too much

It is possible to overdose on vitamin D if you are taking very high supplement doses, as we don’t just pee it out like some vitamins.

The science is complex.

Check out @zoe The truth about vitamin D supplements podcast. Fascinating listening.