A Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to a lack of sunlight exposure. Our body requires sunlight to make Vitamin D and people whose exposure to sunlight is limited are at a higher risk of deficiency. For example, people who wear clothing that covers most of their skin or spend a lot of time indoors. 

Vitamin D deficiency can also be caused by an increased demand for Vitamin D such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in growing children. 

Certain medical conditions can also affect Vitamin D levels such as Crohn’s disease, Coeliac disease, kidney or liver disease as they can prevent the body from adequately processing Vitamin D.  

Vitamin D is best taken in the morning after your breakfast as this is often when we are most likely to remember. There is also some evidence that shows if Vitamin D is taken in the evening it can interfere with your sleep.  

It is also a good idea to take Vitamin D with a meal containing healthy fats such as eggs, avocado, nuts or seeds. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin taking therefore, taking it with healthy fats will help to increase absorption. 

Foods that naturally contain a source of vitamin D include:

• Oily fish (such as sardines, pilchards, herring, trout, tuna, salmon, mackerel and kippers).
• Egg yolk, red meat and liver.
• Cod liver oil (although this should be avoided if you're pregnant).

Some foods are fortified with vitamin D (this means they have vitamin D added to them). These fortified foods include infant formula milk, most margarine and some cereals - you can check on the packaging.

In the UK (according to the GOV.uk website) 1 in 6 people are deficient in Vitamin D this is due to lack of sunshine and spending a lot of time indoors.

Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency:

• Muscle pain 
• Bone pain 
• Increased sensitivity to pain 
• A tingly, “pins-and-needles” sensation in the hands or feet.
• Muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, such as the upper arms or thighs. 
• Waddling while walking, due to muscle weakness in the hips or legs.
• A history of broken bones 
• Muscle twitches or tremors 
• Muscle spasms 
• Bowed legs (when the deficiency is severe). 

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, it is likely that you are low in vitamin D and would benefit from taking a high-quality supplement. 

Our Vitamin D3 is sourced from sea algae, and this is combined with the 100% natural prebiotic Organic Baobab.

This formulation is easily absorbed because the Vitamin D3 is drawn straight from the source and not attached to anything synthetic. This dramatically increases the bioavailability of the Vit D3 enabling the body to feel the benefits more than a synthetic alternative. The Baobab seed powder is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, and phosphorus. The fibre and high nutritional content acts as a broad-spectrum prebiotic which supports the gut microbiome and can improve digestive health.

Vitamin D comes in two main forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). While both are an effective supplement, vitamin D3 is generally more effective than D2 at raising and maintaining overall Vitamin D levels in the blood.
 
Vitamin D3 is also the form of Vitamin D that is naturally produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. 

Often, Vitamin D supplements contain Vitamin K2. However, a Vitamin K2 deficiency is rare and additional supplementation is not usually required. It is also important to note that Vitamin K2 can interact with many medications.

We would recommend using natural forms of Vitamin D. Many vitamin D sprays are formulated using lots of synthetic and unnecessary additives. 

You may start to notice improvement in your Vitamin D levels within a few weeks of starting supplementation and see your symptoms improve. It can take up to 3 months of regular supplementation to bring your Vitamin D up to adequate levels. 

It's essential to be patient and consistent to allow your body to absorb and utilise Vitamin D effectively.

The Nutritional Reference Value (NRV) indicates the amount of vitamins and minerals adults should be taking daily. The NRV for Vitamin D is 5mcg. 5mcg is equivalent to 200iu. 

Each capsule of our Vitamin D3 contains 100% of the recommended dose for adults (5mcg).

Occasionally, people with a severe deficiency may require higher doses as recommended by their GP. 

Taking Vitamin D as recommended shouldn’t cause constipation if we keep active, hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Overconsumption of Vitamin D can cause constipation.