Dubai: Known as the sunshine vitamin, it is estimated that we need about 30 minutes of exposure to the sun every day to produce enough vitamin D to keep us healthy. The symptoms of vitamin D are subtle and you may not suspect how much a lack of vitamin D affects your moods.
The only way to know for sure if you are deficient is to have a blood test by your GP. Ocean grown fatty-fish is one of the richest sources of vitamin D.
Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment
It is important to check the fish has been sourced from the ocean as many supermarkets are farmed and therefore don’t receive natural food sources. Currently, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, and the Co-op have good sustainable aquaculture policies to improve the sustainability of farmed fish.
Doctor Marilyn Glanville said: “Those most at risk of vitamin D deficiency are those who do not go out much the daytime, those who do not expose their skin to the sunlight and woman who constantly wear make-up or cosmetics with in-built sun protection factors.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:
- Getting sick often
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Bone and back pain
- Depression
- Wounds that don’t heal quickly
- Bone loss
- Hair loss
“The tone of your skin affects Vitamin D production, so the darker your skin the less your body produces vitamin D.” Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem today and many chronic diseases are often associated with low vitamin D.
For many people, taking a vitamin D supplement may be the best way to ensure adequate intake. Research suggests that D3 may be significantly more effective at raising and maintaining overall vitamin D levels than D2.
Foods Rich in Vitamin D
