05/09/2026
IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D
Research has identified the importance of vitamin D, and that many groups of the population have low vitamin D status. Small amounts of vitamin D are available from foods such as oily fish, eggs, beef, liver and fortified foods. However, in order to obtain sufficient vitamin D we need sunlight- vitamin D is synthesised under the skin during exposure to sunlight. Those lacking in sunlight are at risk of deficiency.
There are many factors that can affect the skin's production of vitamin D, such as geographical area, time of the year, time of the day, cloud cover and pollution, dark skin, use of suncream, excessive clothing etc.
The Department of Health recommends that adults and children over the age of 1 should have 10ug of vitamin D every day. During cold and 'flu seasons it is advisable to take higher levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D contributes to:
> the normal absorption/ utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
> normal blood calcium levels, maintenance of normal bones and teeth
> the maintenance of normal muscle function
> the normal function of the immune system
> the process of cell division
> the normal growth and development of bone in children