As we’re spending more time in our homes, a daily dose of Vitamin D has never been more important to help you and your family stay well.
In 2016, Public Health England (PHE) published new guidelines on recommended Vitamin D intake. Here’s what you need to know about the best Vitamin D advice.
PHE states that adults (and children aged 12+ months) should take 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D every day. 10 mcg is also equivalent to 400 iu.
Since our bodies rely on UVB rays from sunlight to produce Vitamin D, you might need to take a supplement to achieve that. Various factors, including weather, daylight hours, your lifestyle, skin type, and access to sunlight affect how much Vitamin D your body can make.
Why did Public Health England publish their Vitamin D guidelines?
The Government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) last looked into all the evidence about Vitamin D and health in 2007. It concluded that there wasn’t enough data to reconsider the existing Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). But in July 2016, the SACN carried out a thorough review of the newest information and published fresh guidelines.
What is the advice on Vitamin D?
The report suggests that adults, and children aged 12+ months, should consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement containing 10 mcg of Vitamin D, especially during autumn and winter months. Anyone with a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency is advised to take the same daily dose all year round.
The report suggests that children aged 1-4 should take a daily dose of 10 mcg Vitamin D every day. Babies under 12 months old should have a daily dose of 8.5-10 mcg. This does not apply if your baby drinks more than 500ml infant formula per day, because formula is fortified with Vitamin D.
The Government recognises that so many people in the UK are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. These new guidelines highlight how important Vitamin D is to our health at any age. Taking a Vitamin D supplement will ensure your levels are kept topped up, all year round.
