A tiny, low-cost tablet could help tackle tiredness and low mood during the darker months. The NHS recommends that adults consider taking vitamin D supplements during autumn and winter, when sunlight exposure — our main source of vitamin D — is limited in the UK.
Dr Asiya Maula, GP and Director at The Health Suite, explained the importance of vitamin D: “Vitamin D supports bone health, immunity and overall wellbeing. But deficiency can be subtle. Many people experience symptoms for months, such as fatigue or muscle aches, and simply assume it’s stress, ageing, or seasonal aches. A simple blood test can clarify what your body may be missing.”
Signs of vitamin D deficiency to watch for:
- Persistent fatigue
- Low mood or brain fog
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
Dr Maula added:
“It’s easy to put low mood down to darker days, but adequate vitamin D is key. We can get it naturally from sunlight in summer, but winter makes this harder.”
NHS guidance on supplementation:
- Adults and children over 1 year: 10 micrograms (mcg) per day
- Babies under 1 year: 8.5–10 mcg per day
- Maximum safe limits: Adults – 100 mcg/day; Children 1–10 years – 50 mcg/day; Infants – 25 mcg/day
Other vitamin D sources include:
- Oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
- Red meat and egg yolks
- Fortified foods like cereals or spreads
- Liver (avoid if pregnant)
At just over 1p per tablet, vitamin D supplements are an easy, affordable way to support health during the winter months. Always check with a healthcare professional if unsure about dosage.
Read the complete article on Mirror.