Vitamins and minerals - Vitamin D

Share:

Save:

Print:

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A
B vitamins and folic acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Calcium
Iodine
Iron
Others

Overview

Vitamin D
Vitamin D has several important functions. For example, it helps to regulate
the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.
These nutrients are needed to keep bones and teeth healthy.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and
bone pain and tenderness as a result of a condition called osteomalacia in
adults.

Good sources of vitamin D

We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight on our skin. The vitamin is made by
our body under the skin, in reaction to summer sunlight. However, if you are out

in the sun, take care to cover up or protect your skin with sunscreen before you
turn red or get burnt.
Read more about how to get vitamin D from sunlight.
Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods. Good food sources are:
oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel
eggs
fortified fat spreads
fortified breakfast cereals
some powdered milks
In the UK, cows milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it isn't
fortified, as it is in other countries.

How much vitamin D do I need?

Most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need by eating a healthy
balanced diet and by getting some summer sun.
Groups of the population at risk of not getting enough vitamin D are:
all pregnant and breastfeeding women
babies and young children under the age of five
older people aged 65 years and over
people who are not exposed to much sun such as people who cover up
their skin when outdoors, or those who are housebound or confined
indoors for long periods
people who have darker skin, such as those of African, African-Caribbean
and South Asian origin

What does the Department of Health recommend?

The Department of Health recommends that:
all pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a daily supplement
containing 10 micrograms (0.01mg) of vitamin D, to ensure the mother's
requirements for vitamin D are met and to build adequate foetal stores for
early infancy
all babies and young children aged six months to five years should take a
daily supplement containing vitamin D in the form of vitamin drops, to help
them meet the requirement set for this age group of 7-8.5 micrograms
(0.007-0.0085mg) of vitamin D a day

 babies fed infant formula will not need vitamin drops until they are
receiving less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as these
products are fortified with vitamin D
breastfed infants may need to receive drops containing vitamin D from one
month of age, if their mother has not taken vitamin D supplements
throughout pregnancy
People should also take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (0.01mg)
of vitamin D if they:
are aged 65 years or over
aren't exposed to much sun for example, those who cover up their skin
for cultural reasons, who are housebound or confined indoors for long
periods
You can buy single vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D
(for use by under-fives) at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Women and
children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements
containing the recommended amounts of vitamin D.
See the Healthy Start website for more information on the scheme.

What happens if I take too much vitamin D?

If you take vitamin D supplements, do not take more than 25 micrograms
(0.025mg) a day, as it could be harmful. However, taking less than this is unlikely
to cause any harm.
Your body doesn't make too much vitamin D from sun exposure, but always
remember to cover up or protect your skin if you are out in the sun for long
periods.
Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period of time can cause
more calcium to be absorbed than can be excreted.
The excess calcium can be deposited in and damage the kidneys. Excessive
intake of vitamin D can also encourage calcium to be removed from bones, which
can soften and weaken them.