Vitamin D should be taken daily in winter, PHE recommends

Public Health England (PHE) has advised that people require 10 micrograms of Vitamin D per day to maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles and has recommended taking supplements during the Winter.

The advice is based on data from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) following its review of the evidence on vitamin D and health. Vitamin D can be made in the skin when its is exposed to sunlight and PHE has said the majority of the population receive enough vitamin D during the spring and summer.

However, it has suggested that people should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D in autumn and winter, when sunlight is reduced.

Dr Louis Levy, head of Nutrition Science at PHE, said: “A healthy, balanced diet and short bursts of sunshine will mean most people get all the vitamin D they need in spring and summer. However, everyone will need to consider taking a supplement in the autumn and winter if you don’t eat enough foods that naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with it. And those who don’t get out in the sun or always cover their skin when they do, should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year."