Vitamin D: How long does it take vitamin D to work? What does vitamin D do?

Vitamin D is absorbed by the body when skin is exposed to direct sunlight. If we do not get enough vitamin D, we are at risk of damaging our bones. For children, the effects are particularly dangerous as their bone development can be stunted through a disease called rickets. To prevent that happening, it is essential everyone tops up their vitamin D levels on a daily basis. A short walk outside should do this but some people may be advised to take supplements if they need a boost.

How long does it take Vitamin D to work? What does Vitamin D do?

Low vitamin D symptoms include tiredness, lower back pain and regular bouts of illness.

If you believe you are low in vitamin D, speak to your GP first.

Treating a deficiency could see your ailments disappear within a month, according to Livestrong.com.

However, it could up to a year or so if your levels need serious replenishment or you have aggravating symptoms.

The NHS says vitamin D helps keep our muscles and bones healthy as it regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.

Increasing research also shows the vitamin helps stave off serious diseases too.

This Morning’s Dr Chris Steele told Express.co.uk: “We need vitamin D for virtually every cell in our body.

“There’s so much research coming out showing that vitamin D, or low levels of vitamin D, can be associated with heart disease, cancers, depression, dementia, arthritis – the list really is quite impressive.”

The best way to ensure you get enough vitamin D is to take a 20-minute daily walk.

There is less sunlight available between September and March time in the UK but a regular stroll should maintain levels.

Good food sources of vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks.

Fortified foods – essentially food products with vitamins put in them – are also a good option.

If you are suffering from a deficiency then try boosting your diet with breakfast cereals or soya milk.

Unfortunately, milk in the UK is not fortified unlike in some other countries.

Do speak to your pharmacist first to get advice.

Source: Read Full Article