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Clair
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February 14, 2025
Why is Vitamin D called the Sunshine Vitamin
Ever wonder why vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin”? That's because our bodies produce it when we soak up some sun! Vitamin D plays a starring role in helping our bodies absorb calcium, which is key for strong bones and teeth. But that's not all—it also supports a healthy immune system and can even boost our mood. Whether you're catching some rays or picking up a supplement, keeping your vitamin D levels in check is a simple way to help your body function at its best.
Do I need to take Vitamin D in February?
Do I need to take Vitamin D in February is a common question I get asked. So when I get asked this, I say yes, as it is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
Even in February, vitamin D is still important—because the sun isn’t shining as brightly. In Ireland we are lucky to get sunshine in the Summer never mind in February and because of the lack of sunshine, you might not be getting enough natural vitamin D, which as mentioned above is key for supporting strong bones and a healthy immune system. In these months, so taking a supplement or finding vitamin D-rich foods can be a smart way to ensure you're still getting what your body needs.
What is Vitamin D good for?
Think of vitamin D as your body's all-around helper. Not only does it boost calcium absorption to keep your bones strong—helping to fend off rickets in kids and osteoporosis in adults—but it might also give your mood a lift, easing symptoms of depression and even seasonal affective disorder. There’s evidence suggesting that Vitamin D can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to mood disorders, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Plus, there's evidence that vitamin D plays a hand in keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, and it's a real team player when it comes to bolstering your immune system against infections.
When you're running low on vitamin D, you might notice signs like fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, or getting sick more often. The best way to get your dose is by soaking up some sunlight, but you can also find it in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and even mushrooms. But in February soaking up the sunlight is hard so if you diet is not topped up with Vitamin D rich foods you might want to try taking a supplement of Vitamin D.
But what if I don't like taking tablets
There are lots of people who can't swallow large tablets and capsules or maybe you just like to take tablets. Well there is an alternative, BetterYou Vitamin D range of Oral Spray supplements remains one of our customers’ favourites. This is because they are easy to administer. The vitamins are delivered directly into the bloodstream through the mouth for enhanced absorption, bypassing the digestive system where many nutrients struggle to be absorbed.
The range includes Vitamin D 400iu for infants, and toddlers, which are specially formulated for children under 3. And Kids Vitamin D & K2 Oral Spray, this is an expert blend of the two essential nutrients Vitamin D and K2 to support growing bones and a healthy immune system. It is a fuss-free great tasting oral spray. This formula is suitable for 1 year and above.
For adults there are formulas of Vitamin D 1000iu, 3000iu as well as D3000+K2 Oral Spray.
How much Vitamin D do I need per day?
You could be low in Vitamin D if you work indoors, or when outside are covered up, you won't be getting much sunshine on your skin and could be low in Vitamin D.
The recommended dosage for adults over 50 is between 1,000iu and 2,000iu per day. You might be getting more Vitamin D than you realise. For example, if you take Cod Liver Oil you might be getting 450iu. Your multivitamin could contain another 400iu and if you take a bone or joint formula it could contain up to 1,000iu. Your food may be fortified with extra Vitamin D you will need to add this into account. Add it all together and it could well happen that you are actually taking enough Vitamin D. To be sure you could always arrange for a blood test with your GP to check your Vitamin D levels.
If you are confused about what to take you can drop us an email we would happy to help you figure out how much you are taking. In the meantime, most of you will benefit from some extra Vitamin D to get you through to the brighter days ahead.
