Do you know your Vitamin D level? It’s about this time of year (January – February) that your Vitamin D status is likely to be diminishing to levels that are below adequate.

We make Vitamin D from the action of the sunlight on our skin, and in the UK this is only possible between May and September. Centuries ago the majority of us would have worked outside during these months and our bodies would have been building up stores of Vitamin D (it’s a fat soluble vitamin that the body can store) that would have seen us through the winter months.

What does Vitamin D do?

It plays a vital part in our immune system, helping us to fight off viruses and infections. There is evidence that it has a key role in protecting us from the severity of COVID symptoms

It helps the body absorb calcium to keep our bones and teeth strong

It helps the body make important neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, keeping our mood stable and thereby supporting our mental health

It is involved in energy production in the body, by supporting mitochondrial function (Mitochondria are the power houses within our cells responsible for producing energy)

It is required for good muscle function

A link has been established between Vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain. Sufferers of endometriosis for example, are often found to be Vitamin D deficient.

It has been found to have anti-tumour capabilities

What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency?

• Weakened immunity – susceptibility to colds and infections
• Low mood and depression
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Bone pain
• Poor oral health
• Osteomalacia and osteoporosis

What are the risk factors for being Vitamin D deficient?

• Reduced exposure to sunlight (working indoors, being confined to the house, living somewhere with shorter daylight hours)
• Being overweight
• Ageing – as we get older our ability to make Vitamin D decreases
• Having darker skin

How do I check my Vitamin D levels?

Your GP can check your Vitamin D levels for free. If this is not possible I can provide you with the following:

A dry-blood spot Vitamin D kit which you can undertake at home

Once you have the result we will meet for a 20 minute online consultation where we will review your symptoms and I will recommend an appropriate supplement for you, based on your results.

The cost of this package is £70

Contact me now if you would like to book in for this package.