Vitamin D also in spring

Now that spring has sprung, you may think that vitamin D is only important in winter. But it's not. Even in the warmer months, vitamin D remains vital to your health. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, a good immune system and a healthy muscle and nervous system. Your body makes this vitamin itself through exposure to sunlight. Yet the amount you make depends on your lifestyle, skin tone and the time you spend outdoors.

In our pharmacy, we are happy to help you with personal advice so that you always get the right information.

Sunlight and your body

The sun is the natural source of vitamin D. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, a process starts whereby vitamin d is produced. This process is important for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Yet factors such as cloud cover, the angle of the sun and the use of sunscreen can limit production. Especially if you are indoors a lot or have a darker complexion, you may not be making enough vitamin D.

Who is at risk of deficiency?

Not everyone gets enough vitamin D naturally. If you are older, spend a lot of time indoors or have a tinted complexion, you are more likely to be deficient. Pregnant women and young children are also among the groups that need extra attention, as indicated by the Health Council and Rijksoverheid.nl. If you or someone in your family belongs to these risk groups, it is wise to check if your diet is sufficient or if a supplement is needed. The KNMP and Apotheek.nl recommend that if you receive little sunlight, you can supplement your vitamin D intake with a supplement.

Food and Supplements

In addition to the sun, you can also get vitamin D from food. Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, eggs and fortified products such as margarine and certain cooking products contain vitamin D. However, many people do not get enough vitamin D from their diet alone. Therefore, a vitamin d supplement can be a valuable addition. We advise you to pay attention to the recommended dosage: for some groups a daily intake of 10 micrograms is recommended, while for elderly people sometimes 20 micrograms is recommended. This advice is based on Health Council guidelines.

The role of the pharmacy

With us you can get personal and expert advice on vitamin D and choosing the right supplement. We have very affordable vitamin D products in our range. We advise based on reliable and current sources, such as Thuisarts.nl, Apotheek.nl, Rijksoverheid.nl and KNMP. We pay attention to the correct dosage and check for possible interactions with your medications.