Vitamins D Supplements

Vitamin D has multiple functions and benefits that are probably more wide ranging than any other vitamin. New global research shows that the health benefits of this nutrient stretch well beyond bone health. There is increasing evidence for the beneficial effects from dietary vitamin D which has shown benefits for its contribution to:

• Maintenance of normal bones and teeth
• Normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
• Normal muscle function
• Normal blood calcium levels
• Normal function of the immune system
• The process of cell division

The UK Department of Health has stated how important Vitamin D is by recommending that everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding woman) should consider taking a supplement containing vitamin D especially during the autumn and winter (Source: www.nhs.uk). This is especially important during the months from September to March, as we do not get enough Vitamin D from sunlight and it is difficult to get enough Vitamin D from food alone.

The UK Department of Health recommends:

•  All infants from birth to 1 years old should take a vitamin D supplement of 8.5 to 10µg per day (unless they are drinking 500ml or more of infant formula a day, as infant formula has vitamins added to it)
• Children aged 1-4 years should take a daily supplement of 10µg of Vitamin D throughout the year
• For adults and children over 5 years, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. (Source: www.nhs.uk)

The UK Department of Health also recommends a daily supplement  of vitamin D throughout the year if you:

• Are not often outdoors – for example, if you’re frail or housebound
• Are in an institution like a care home
• Usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when outdoors
• Have dark skin – for example you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – you may also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight.
• Our adult vitamin D supplements contain higher levels, based on the latest scientific research showing that higher daily levels of vitamin D may be ideal, while remaining well within safe upper limits of course. You can read about vitamin D levels here.

Yes, our products are carefully-formulated to contain precise, safe levels of Vitamin D. Some people also have underlying medical conditions that may limit or increase the level of Vitamin D they should take – if in doubt, speak to your doctor.

Vitamin D can be found in several different food and drink groups, including fish (such as salmon, herring, halibut, canned tuna and sardines), fish liver oils, egg yolk, mushrooms (maitake mushrooms, portabella mushrooms and chanterelle mushrooms), fortified milk (cows milk, almond milk and soy milk), butter, margarine, fortified orange juice, some fortified cereals and some fortified yogurts. Read this blog to find out more about foods rich in Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin that is involved in many important functions in the body. There are two major types of Vitamin D: D2 and D3 (cholecalciferol). D2 is produced by plants and fungi, and is commonly used in fortified foods. D3 is the preferred form of vitamin D, as found it Vitabiotics supplements, because it is the specific form made in the human body, our skin produces vitamin D3 naturally when exposed to sunlight.

Vitamin D3 is the body’s preferred form of Vitamin D, which it produces when our skin is directly exposed to sunlight containing UVB radiation. Vitamin D3 is also found in small amounts in animal foods, such as egg yolks and fatty fish. Read more about vitamin D3 here.

Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is involved in the normal function of the immune system, the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, as well as the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus. It also plays a role in normal muscle function and the process of cell division. Read more about the benefits of vitamin D3 here.

We typically get the majority of our vitamin D from the sun. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UVB rays found in sunlight.

Those who spend a lot of time indoors or have limited sun exposure may not be getting enough vitamin D from the sun. This is especially the case during the autumn and winter months in the UK, when the daylight hours are shorter, and UVB rays are not as strong.

Although vitamin D is found in certain foods, it can be hard to reach your daily quota of vitamin D through food alone. Foods containing vitamin D include mushrooms, fish (such as salmon and sardines) and egg yolks. A vitamin D supplement can be a useful way to safeguard your vitamin D intake, especially if we’re spending more time indoors. Read more about vitamin D sources here.

Wellbaby Vitamin D Drops, suitable from birth to 4 years, provide 10µg of vitamin D, as recommended by the Department of Health, in a natural olive oil base.

For kids aged 3-7 years, Wellkid Peppa Pig Vitamin D soft jellies provide 10µg of vitamin D (as D3 400IU) in an easily chewable, vegan soft jelly with a delicious strawberry flavour.

Wellkid Marvel Vitamin D is suitable for kids aged 7-14 and provides a slightly higher level at 12.5µg of vitamin D in a delicious chewable strawberry flavour, vegan soft jelly.

Vitamin D is an important consideration for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The UK Department of Health recommend all adults including pregnant and breastfeeding women consider taking a supplement of vitamin D especially during the autumn and winter (Source: www.nhs.uk). Our entire Pregnacare range includes this vital vitamin as part of a comprehensive formula: For women who are looking to conceive, Pregnacare Conception includes 20µg of vitamin D per tablet (as D3 800IU), based on the latest independent scientific research using Pregnacare itself. Pregnacare Conception also includes zinc which contributes to normal fertility and reproduction. For during your pregnancy, Pregnacare Max offers the most comprehensive support from the Pregnacare range for you and your developing baby. It includes 10µg of vitamin D (as D3 400IU) per 2 tablets. It also includes L-methylfolate, a more advanced form of folic acid. Folic acid contributes to maternal tissue growth. In our postnatal supplement range, both Pregnacare New Mum and Pregnacare Breast-feeding include 10µg of vitamin D (as D3 400IU) per 2 tablets. They also include the vital mineral calcium. Calcium and vitamin D contributes to normal teeth and bones.