You can be forgiven for wondering what vitamin D has to do with a chiropractic clinic, but read on and you will learn how important vitamin D is for health bones – so of course Gloucester Chiropractors are interested!
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is made in the skin in response to UV rays from the sun. This means it is sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin!
What does it do?
Vitamin D, along with calcium and phosphorous, is responsible for growing and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and teeth. It is essential for the proper absorption of calcium in the gut, so even if you have a calcium-rich diet, if you don’t have sufficient vitamin D you won’t be able to properly absorb it.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause Rickets (softening and weakening of the bones, which can lead to deformities) in children, and Osteoporosis (a reduction in bone density) and Osteomalacia (a softening of the bones accompanied by muscle weakness) in adults.
Which foods contain Vitamin D?
The majority of the Vitamin D we need is made via exposure to UV rays from the sun, however there are also some good food sources of vitamin D.
- Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines
- Egg yolks, meat and offal contain small amounts of vitamin D
- Some foods are fortified with vitamin D including breakfast cereals, some yoghurts and infant formula.
- Babies and young children (under 5)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- People over 65 years of age
- People with darker skin tones living in the UK or other northern climates
- Anyone who spends little time outside, particularly during the summer
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) advise that all adults and children should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the winter months (October-March inclusive) in the UK, and that those at risk of low vitamin D levels should consider supplementing all year round.
Supplements are readily available and inexpensive and can be bought in tablet form, as chewable gummies, drops to put in drinks or as minty mouth sprays!
This post was written by our chiropractor Beth Rawlings. Beth is an experienced chiropractor, practicing in Gloucester and Worcester, with particular expertise in the treatment of pelvic disorders and pregnant patients. She is a member of the Royal College of Chiropractors and is endorsed by the Pelvic Partnership. She is also a mentor to other chiropractors, working with chiropractors across Gloucestershire to improve standards of care.
