Vitamin D is a recurring topic in the media right now due the recent Government announcement that they will be providing 2.7 million vulnerable people with a free winter supply this year.

This is in response to studies showing that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of upper respiratory infections, including influenza and of course, the one at the forefront of many people’s minds, coronavirus.

So we know Vitamin D (commonly known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’) can be beneficial to our health in general, yet with a plethora of brands and dosage levels out there that can be purchased so freely over the counter, how can be sure we’re taking the right type and if the dosage is right for us?

Luckily we have Lise Matthews, owner of The Ark natural living shop and health clinic to consult about this and as part of her Healthy Soul Matters series of podcasts on natural healthy living, she has just published her latest on Vitamin D, in which she shares some important insights.

Listen to the full podcast for full details. Meanwhile, here are some of the key learnings:

• With research showing people with poor levels of Vitamin D responding more severely to coronavirus, it’s important to be mindful that increasing your levels can be useful for both prevention and recovery of respiratory viruses
• Bone pain, muscle weakness or cramps, low mood and tiredness can all be signs of Vitamin D deficiency (although these symptoms can also be a sign of other deficiencies or conditions)
• It is recommended you seek advice on the level of Vitamin D intake as too much or too little may be harmful
• The main natural sources of Vitamin D are from the sun, and also from foods such as oily fish, eggs and red meat. If you’re vegetarian/vegan, it’s even more important to monitor your levels
• The Government recommends a general dosage of 400iu, however the Endocrine Society recommends a daily dosage relevant to age and health status, e.g. infants 400-1000iu, children 600-1000iu, adults 600-2000iu

Thanks to Lise for this further insight and it’s good to know that she is able to provide professional advice on your personal scenario through The Ark healthy living shop or health clinic.

And as she says, Vitamin D is also proven to be effective for digestion, bone & muscle health, our teeth and mood levels, plus more sun always makes us smile! So checking and monitoring levels is worth considering for many reasons.

Find more useful topics on the Healthy Soul Matters podcast.

If you’re considered high risk by the NHS, you can register for the free government supply of Vitamin D on their website.