Do I need Vitamin D supplements this Winter?
Advertorial, written by Hashmats Health.
Reviewed and fact-checked by Giulia Guerrini, Superintendent Pharmacist. Read our editorial policy to see how we create informative, accurate content.
The British winter is just around the corner. Anyone living in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are well aware of the severity of the winter season in Great Britain. The next couple of months will bring common winter illnesses such as colds, coughs, pneumonia and influenza.
Our immune system plays a crucial role in fighting off the winter bugs and keeping us well. However, with ageing, our immune system becomes weaker, and we need proper nutrition to stay healthy.
medino has worked with Hashmats Health to explain the importance of Vitamin D and the benefits it may have on your immune system.
Why Vitamin D is important
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is produced in the skin from the body’s exposure to sunlight. The amount of sunlight varies from person to person and whether one has darker skin, but it is suggested that a minimum of 15 minutes can produce vitamin D. If you're taking Vitamin D supplements due to a deficiency, it can take 2-3 months of consistent intake to increase Vitamin D blood levels.
According to various surveys, every 1 in 5 people in the UK has low vitamin D levels. The problem increases during the winters due to less exposure to sunlight. A deficiency of vitamin D may increase the susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been considerable interest in researching vitamin D. An article published in the Irish Medical Journal showed that people with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of acute respiratory tract infection and community-acquired pneumonia. This suggests that vitamin D supplementation may enhance resistance to Covid-19 infections or limit its immunological damage.
Do I need Vitamin D Supplements?
Foods and dietary supplements have two main types of vitamin D: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 cholecalciferol). During winters, it is recommended to supplement your diet with suitable Vitamin D supplements such as Vit-D3 20,000iu to enhance your immune system, improve core strength, and maintain physical functioning.
Hashmats Health produces a range of GMP Approved Vitamins & Food Supplements that contain the vital vitamin D nutrient; Daily Vit-D3 1000iu or High Strength Vit-D3 20,000iu. If you’re looking to take your nutritional intake to the next level, then A-Z Multivitamins contain vitamin D as well as 32 more bio-elements for an active lifestyle. For children aged 4 years and over, Kids 4+ Multivitamins contain vitamin D in a chewable mango tablet. Suitable for those who are Vegetarian or on a Halal diet. Learn more about these products.
References:
- GOV.UK - The R value and growth rate
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust - Bliss 2013 – Common winter illnesses
- PubMed Central (PMC) - Vitamin D and the Immune System
- Hashmats Health - Vitamins & Supplements Made in the UK | Halal
