Vitamin D & Skin-Care

Vitamin D is fundamental for your overall health and various health claims for this essential vitamin have been approved by EFSA including the following: 

• Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
• Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that aids calcium and phosphorus absorption in the body from food and sunlight. Despite its name, vitamin D is not a vitamin but a hormone that synthesises vitamin D in the skin from from food and the sun's ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. Synthesis of vitamin D is insufficient to meet requirements in some EU countries, especially during the winter months. 

Equally, for those spending long hours indoors, additional Vitamin D may be helpful to balance the lack of sun exposure.

In the summertime we all tend to spend more time outdoors but the skin often and ever so rightly, is covered by clothing or sunscreen which prevents the development of vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D also degrades in our body as quickly as it generates which is another reason to supplement your diet with Vitamin D.

Vitamin D Deficiency & Risks

It’s estimated that a sizeable percentage of the UK population (including vegans) is vitamin D deficient. The growing deficiency is not only occurring in adults but teenagers and younger adults. Vitamin D needs to be present in your system in order for the intestines to absorb calcium. 

The NHS guidelines is that everyone should supplement  with Vitamin D during the autumn and winter. NHS recommends taking at least 10micrograms of vitamin D daily. As with all food supplements, they should be taken with a balanced and rich diet of vitamin, minerals and protein.

Most Vitamin D3 vitamins are obtained from animal sources but ours derives from algae. It’s an easy swallow tablet of 6mm that offers 25 micrograms of vitamin D3. In making our vitamin D3 we include a little extra to balance against degrading during a long shelf life and also to estimate that a portion of the 25 micrograms will not all be absorbed by the body. This is a standard manufacturing process of most vitamins. 

Vitamin D is considered to lower the infection rate and inflammation during the winter flu months. The Canadian Health Department has recommended an increased intake of vitamin D as a part of its flu prevention strategy. 

There are further claims associated with Vitamin D such as it can reduce risk of depression, risk of cancer, risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reducing chronic muscle aches and pain.

Food that is rich in vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, swordfish, cod liver oil and also from red meat and eggs. We promote the consumption of these along with the intake of vitamin d3 supplements.

Here are some interesting facts on vitamin D:

• People with dark skin, such as those of African, African-Caribbean or south Asian origin, will need to spend longer in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.
•  In the elderly, the skin produces 4-times less vitamin D when exposed to the sun, as compared to younger people. 

How to take our Vegan Vitamin D

Take 1 tablet daily with a glass of water. Always consult a GP before taking any food supplement, especially if you are pregnant, lactating, taking prescription medication or have any existing medical condition. Do not exceed the stated amount.