Vitamin D has a number of important functions and is needed to support bone and muscle health. Everyone (including children) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D (400 IU), particularly during the winter months (October to March).
In fact, it is specifically recommended that groups at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency take a daily supplement all year round. These groups include:
- all pregnant and breastfeeding women,
- infants and children under 5 years old,
- people who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, are housebound, confined indoors for long periods or live in an institution, and
- people from minority ethnic groups with dark skin such as those of African, African-Caribbean and south Asian origin, who require more sun exposure to make as much vitamin D.
Vitamin D Advice Available
More information on Vitamin D in accessible formats and in other languages can be accessed here.
