Why We All Need Vitamin D

Around 75% of adults in the UK are deficient in Vitamin D, a statistic that affects a higher percentage of women than men. And with summer well and truly over, getting our daily dose of this vital vitamin is harder than ever. Here’s why we need it and how to get it.

Why do we need vitamin D?

In its most important role, vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and promote healthy bone growth. It also helps improve brain development and function and ensures your intestine absorbs vital nutrients, plus it helps regulate the immune system.

How do we get it? 

Vitamin D is made by the body in response to sunlight. Given that sunlight is almost non-existent between the months of October to April in the UK, the levels of deficiency amongst most adults is fairly unsurprising. If you are lacking in this vital vitamin you may find you’re always fighting a cold, or you might experience fatigue and muscle ache more regularly. A lack of vitamin D has also been linked to sleep disturbances, poorer sleep quality and reduced sleep duration.

How can we get more?

To supplement your intake, particularly in the winter months, add some good sources of vitamin D to your diet; be sure to include plenty of oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon, as well as fortified cereals and shiitake mushrooms. Bone broth, another good option, is full of warming, nourishing ingredients and it’s rich in bone-strengthening minerals that help support joint health and reduce inflammation too. The average person should aim for between 400-800 IU each day, although adults who are especially deficient can take between 1500-2000 IU to get restore healthy levels. When it comes to the best form to take, most experts suggest vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol as it’s the natural form of vitamin D made by the body from sunlight. To help maintain adequate vitamin D levels and boost your system, Workshop’s Multi Vitamin Formula contains 400 IU of vitamin D as cholecalciferol, alongside a host of other vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, E and K.