This week is Vitamin D awareness week – no doubt timed to coincide with turning the clocks back.

Shorter days and reduced sunshine hours means we are all at risk of falling short when it comes to Vitamin D. Bariatric patients in particular are at risk because of the nature of their restricted diet and compromised absorption of vitamins from their food. The Uk Government has recently produced new guidelines on what you need to know which is outlined below with ways in which you can choose foods rich in this vital vitamin. Here at Bariatric Cookery we also take an oral vitamin spray daily to ensure we have all we need (see details here)

The new government guidelines on vitamin D – what you need to know

In 2016, Public Health England (PHE) published new guidelines on recommended Vitamin D intake. Here’s what you need to know about the best Vitamin D advice.

PHE states that adults (and children aged 12+ months) should take 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D every day. 10 mcg is 400 iu. Since our bodies rely on UVB rays from sunlight to produce Vitamin D, you might need to take a supplement to achieve that. Various factors, including weather, daylight hours, your lifestyle, skin type, and access to sunlight affect how much Vitamin D your body can make.

Why did Public Health England publish their Vitamin D guidelines?

The Government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) last looked into all the evidence about Vitamin D and health in 2007. It concluded that there wasn’t enough data to reconsider the existing Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). But in July 2016, the SACN carried out a thorough review of the newest information, and published fresh guidelines.

What is the new advice on Vitamin D?

The report suggests that adults, and children aged 12+ months, should consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement containing 10 mcg Vitamin D, especially during autumn and winter months. Anyone with a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency is advised to take the same daily dose all year round.

The report suggests that children aged 1-4 should take a daily dose of 10 mcg Vitamin D every day. Babies under 12 months old should have a daily dose of 8.5-10 mcg. This does not apply if your baby drinks more than 500ml infant formula per day, because formula is fortified with Vitamin D.

The Government recognises that so many people in the UK are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. These new guidelines highlight how important Vitamin D is to our health at any age. Taking a Vitamin D supplement will ensure your levels are kept topped up, all year round.