Why is it even more important that people over 50 take vitamin D supplements during the summer?

Vitamin D is vital for immunity. A review of 11 studies involving 5,660 people has shown that taking vitamin D3 supplements helps to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections by at least a third. Read more HERE

We make vitamin D in our skin on exposure to sunlight when the UV index is greater than 3 but, as we get older, our ability to synthesise vitamin D falls. Read more HERE

One study found that people aged 62 to 80 years synthesised four times less natural vitamin D than those aged 20 to 30 years. For optimum health, there is increasing evidence that doses of at least 25mcg to 50mcg vitamin D are needed per day in later life to maintain optimum vitamin D levels. This is easily obtained in supplement form and, to make your daily dose more pleasant, gummies are available. Try Healthspan’s new Apple and Blackcurrant flavoured Vitamin D 25mcg Gummies.*

The upper safe level for vitamin D is 100mcg per day from all sources, including oily fish and fortified foods. Most people get less than 5mcg per day from their diet, however. During these difficult times, when older people are cocooning at home during lockdown and seeing little sunshine, I recommend that those over the age of 50 take 25mcg to 50mcg vitamin D3 per day as a supplement.

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