The pills are available without prescription on the High Street, in supermarkets and online
A GP is urging everyone to start taking a cheap pill this week thanks to a sudden change in the weather. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained the importance of vitamin D, which you can get from cheap over-the-counter pills available on the High Street, in supermarkets and online.
Dr Grant said: “It’s fair to say summer has come to an abrupt end, with stormy weather up and down the UK. This can lead to a lack of vitamin D, which is primarily produced from direct sunlight, leaving people without an extremely vital nutrient. Vitamin D is vital for our wellbeing and plays an important role in many aspects of health. Firstly, vitamin D aids calcium absorption, helping maintain healthy bones. Without this nutrient, people are more at risk of conditions such as rickets or osteoporosis – highlighting its importance.
“Additionally, the vitamin is also crucial for supporting the immune system, helping the body protect against infections or diseases. A lack of vitamin D could put your body at a heightened risk of autoimmune conditions and chest infections.
“Aside from bone health and immune support, vitamin D is important for muscle function and a deficiency could lead to muscle weakness. This emphasises that people of all ages must adopt a healthy nutrient intake, as older individuals could be at an increased risk of falls.
“Like any essential nutrient, vitamin D supports bodily functions in various ways. While most can be attained through a healthy diet and lifestyle, vitamin D is typically gained from sunlight. As we approach the colder, less sunnier months, supplements can be a great source of the vitamin.
“With daylight hours set to drop, the body may require additional support in attaining this crucial vitamin. That’s why I strongly recommend purchasing some vitamin D supplements at this time of year. Taking these supplements earlier this year can combat the lack of sunlight, avoiding the risk of nutrient deficiencies throughout the colder period.”
He added: “Aside from supplements, foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and red meat are all great sources of vitamin D that can easily be incorporated into diets. With the weather remaining quite disappointing, it’s important to keep on top of nutrient intake to avoid a reduction in well-being.
“Therefore, I recommend people consider taking vitamin D supplements to offset the lack of daylight we’ll experience throughout the UK in the coming months.”