Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from purchases made via these links at no cost to you.
Are you longing for warmer days already?
As we move out of winter and into spring, we feel happier already as the days are longer, temperatures warmer and the skies brighter.
How do we keep healthy while we wait for that sunshine to return?
Our vitamin D levels are lower in winter
In winter time, many of us are lacking vitamin D. This is because our main source of vitamin D is sun exposure, and in the winter, we are just not getting enough of it!
Especially in lockdown, our time spent outdoors is even more limited. We are spending more time inside and are not getting enough of this valuable nutrient.
Having low levels of vitamin D can have adverse effects on our health. Vitamin D is needed to grow and maintain healthy bones. It may also have an impact on our mood.
Vitamin D helps with calcium and phosphate regulation in the body. Both of these nutrients work towards the health of our bones, muscles and teeth. This is why having a good supply of vitamin D is important for maintaining our bone health.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to depression and especially SAD. You can read more about SAD here.
Where do we get vitamin D?
It is possible to get vitamin D through diet, but this is usually through animal products. It is not easy to get vitamin D from vegan food.
Some foods such as spreads, breakfast cereals and non-dairy milk alternatives are fortified with vitamin D which can help with acquiring the nutrient. However, the most common and easily accessible vitamin D food source for vegans is from supplements.
It is generally recommended that adults take vitamin D supplements in the winter. The NHS recommends vitamin D supplements especially in this year as due to coronavirus we have all been spending more time indoors and have not been getting enough sunlight.
There have also been reports that vitamin D reduces the risk of coronavirus (Covid-19). While there is not enough evidence to support this, maintaining a good supply is important for our general health.
The NHS suggests you take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and early March to maintain the health of your bones and muscles.
From late spring to the end of summer, most people should be able to get the required amount of vitamin D from being outside and getting normal exposure to sunlight.
Why not give yourself a vitamin D boost before lockdown eases and we can enjoy sunny days again?
Manchester-based My Vegan makes supplements from plant-based sources. You can purchase their vegan vitamin D supplements through this link.
Raw Rebellion 