I’ve posted quite some time ago now about Vitamin D deficiency and the things to know about the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’. As the daylight reduces and winter seeps in, it’s a good time to get a reminder about it and make sure your levels are optimal.
What Does Vitamin D Do?
Vitamin D boots your immune system and supports the body’s cells in various ways throughout your life. Your respiratory system, bones, brain, cardiovascular system, immune system and muscles are therefore all aided by Vitamin D.
Symptoms Of Low Vitamin D
Some more commonly reported symptoms of low Vit D can include :
- General aches and pains and weakness
- Fatigue and depression
- Bone and hair loss
- More regular infections (from weakened immune system functioning)
Generally speaking, we need 10µg daily (or 600IU if under 70 years old, 800IU if over). Most people will benefit from topping up their Vitamin D on a day to day basis with over the counter supplements, but others may find they’re very deficient and need a bigger, temporary boost to improve levels. However, if you suspect you may be deficient, whether you experience symptoms, struggle with low mood or fatigue, or you simply don’t get to see much sunshine, it’s worth asking your GP to do a blood test. I found out I was chronically deficient with an almost non-existent Vit D level, discovered after a blood test for this specific vitamin because a bone density scan found I had thin bones (osteopenia).
Suggested Vitamin D Supplements For Winter & Year Round
For general daily use to keep your Vit D levels happy, there are various supplements out there to try in different strengths and forms, from tablets to drops and sprays. Here’s a look at some of the best picks :
Best For : High strength, one-a-day tablets at a very reasonable price
Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D 2000 IU Extra Strength
- Higher strength gets a thumbs up here for the cost
- British Pharmacopoeia quality
- 96 tablets, 1 a day with water
- Available on Amazon UK and at Boots
Best For : A regular daily pick-me-up for your Vitamin D levels, budget friendly, one-a-day tablets.
Boots Vitamin D 25µg (90 Tablets)
- Free from all nasties like artificial colours, flavours & preservatives.
- Lactose Free.
- Suitable for Vegetarians.
Best For : Those who can’t take/swallow tablets, higher strength for daily use.
Bioglan Adult VitaGummies Vitamin D3
- 1000 IU
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Available on Amazon UK and at Boots
Best For : Mid-range strength as a general daily boost, for those who can’t take or don’t absorb tablets, easy to dispense liquid via a dropper for adults and children.
- 400 iu/5 ug
- 50 ml with dropper
- Sugar Free
- Available at Amazon UK
Best For : A stronger version of the above, great for those who can’t take or don’t absorb tablets, liquid vitamin supplement with dropper, Vegan Society approved.
Natures Aid Vegan Vitamin D3/Cholecalciferol Liquid
- 2500 iu/62.5 ug
- 50 ml with dropper
- Available at Amazon UK
Best For : An alternative to tablets/liquid/gummies, a simple & straightforward oral spray that’s convenient to use, high strength.
Better You Dlux Vitamin D Oral Spray 15ml
- Each spray delivers 3000IU (75μg) of bioavailable vitamin D3. This is one I’ve heard good things about and would really like to try myself.
- 100 daily doses per bottle
- Available at Amazon UK
In The US? These Are Popular Picks For Vitamin D Supplements :
Dr. Mercola Sunshine Mist 5000 IU Vitamin D3 Spray : High strength, convenient to use, great alternative to tablets for better absorption.
Frunutta Vitamin D3 1000 IU, 100 Instant Dissolve Sublingual Tablets – Higher strength for daily use, budget friendly, easy to take alternative to tablets.
Do you need to give your Vitamin D a daily boost?
Caz ♥
30 comments
The omega-3 capsules I take contains 1000 IU of vitamin D, which is nice and convenient.
I hadn’t come across an Omega 3 supplement with such good levels of Vit D, sounds like a good one! Definitely convenient 🙂
xx
This was an important post. I find more and more people are having problems with Vitamin D.
Thank you
Deficiencies do seem to be creeping up, perhaps as a result of weather changes paired with lifestyle changes (more people indoors, increase in technology etc), you’re absolutely right. I hope you’re keeping well and having a good week xx
I take Vitamin D 3 5000mg daily. My bones have never been the same since chemotherapy and radiation in 2005. So, I take the vitamins to help. 🙂
I’m so sorry you’ve had such a knock-on effect from the chemo & radiation, I think it’s a very wise investment for your body & bones to use supplements like higher strength Vitamin D. Thanks for the comment, Melissa. I hope you’re well this week:)
xx
Thanks Caz,
Will have my Vit D level checked. Cant hurt.
Exactly, can’t hurt to have it checked. Definitely worthwhile in my opinion, Darnell! Have a lovely rest of your week 🙂
I take vitamin d every winter, and have a bottle of vitamin c for any time I feel like my immune system needs a boost.
I take daily Vit C now, yummy chewable ones. Glad you keep up with the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ when your body needs it too 🙂
I need more sun, on my feet, there are the yellowest of my sisters.
Trying to get more sun on certain parts can be a challenge, maybe you need some barefoot outdoors time soon! 🙂
Such an important vitamin, Caz, and one we don’t often think about.
Here in Australia we are about to enter Summertime, which I enjoy, though, I often find the heat stifling. However, it is a good time to get some summer sun (early morn and later in the afternoon, of course). That means, for me, walking in the sunshine.
I do, however, take vitamin D supplements here and there throughout the year, especially during wintertime.
Your post is a great reminder.
I have an aunt, uncle & cousin in Australia, I often wish I could swap with one of them as they find the heat too stifling at times too (and as someone who’s always cold, I love the sound of that!) I think it’s wise to take them as you feel you may need to throughout the year when you’re not getting as much outdoor time and walks when the sun’s out. And if ever you’d like to swap with someone in the rainy grey UK, you know who to ask Carolyn! 😉
Have a lovely end to your week,
xx
Great list! When I found out I had low vitamin D I bought the bulk D supplement from Costco (a warehouse-type store here in the US), but I’m wishing I would have researched mu options first. When I’m ready for a refill, I’ll be revisiting this list!!
Bulk buying can be great if the expiration dates are good and the price is tempting, but I know what you mean with wishing you’d researched options first because you’ll be left with lots to get through before you need to repurchase! At least you know there are other things out there if you want to change brand/format in the future. I hope your sunshine vitamins are keeping you well 🙂
xx
I take a high strength Vit D supplement all year round 🙂 My functional doctor has me on 4000iu but says I could safely take up to twice as much if I really wanted to.
Seems that they’re differing opinions on how much is too much when it comes to Vit D, so it’s good to know your doc has said you could even double what you’re taking. I’m on supplements year-round now too, definitely a good idea in my books! Thanks for the comment, Rachel, have a great end to your week 🙂
xx
I take daily vitamin d as well – up to 5000 iu because those of us with MS are predisposed very low vitamin d levels. Thanks for the links as I’m always on the lookout for new products and also I’m keen to have my children take regular vitamin d in a way that they enjoy – the gummies might be the answer! Xx
Good point about some people being more predisposed to low levels in terms of co-existing health issues. I think gummies are a great idea for children (and adults too!) 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Jen, I hope you’re doing okay…xx
This is an important message. I wasn’t getting enough vitamin D before and it’s particularly relevant for those of us who spend long hours indoors in front of a laptop! Thanks for the reminder 🙂 X
Yep, a lot of time indoors is a big factor with Vit D deficiency. Glad you got a little reminder to get your levels checked or keep up the supplements. Thanks for the comment, Kirsty! Have a lovely end to your week 🙂
xx
great subject. a nutritionist told me that the max one should take a day is 2,000 iu because any more than that goes to the liver
Ooh, I’d not heard of that but it definitely pays to check these things out to make sure because too much can be as bad as too little sometimes. Thanks for bringing that up! x
I’ve just started taking mine again after slumping drastically this month.
What format do you have, tablets? I hope it helps keep your Vit D levels happy, hopefully it won’t take too long for them to rectify the slump! xx
Ironically, whilst Vit D boosts the immune system, it is being shown as perhaps the most important factor in Multiple Sclerosis. My physician and neurologist both monitor my Vit D levels closely.
Another excellent example of why it’s so important, and why levels should be checked (because for some stupid reason they rarely are by most GPs unless there’s a specific reason to do so). I’m glad your doc & neurologist keep an eye on your Vit D. Stay as well as possible, George, and have a good week ahead 🙂
x
I was diagnosed with SAD years ago and, literally, cannot survive with high doses of Vit D. I’ve never even seen the sprays, however, and am off to get some right now! Thank you!
I’m sorry you have to deal with that and need to make sure you keep your Vit D levels as good as possible (I think you mean ‘cannot survive without’). The spray is surprisingly good in terms of strength and value, I’d like to try that one too! Thanks for the comment =]