Vitamin D Supplements

Why take a Vitamin D supplement?

Vitamin D is one of the most critical supplements for better health, and deficiencies can lead to various issues. While it's known as vitamin D, the 'vitamin' is actually a hormone that gets a natural boost from sunlight.

According to a CDC report, vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies in the UK, but supplements can give your body a much-needed boost.

Improved immune system

Vitamin D is essential for many bodily functions, including immune system regulation. Numerous studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infection, and delayed healing.

In fact, specialists associate vitamin D deficiency with autoimmune conditions (MS Society) and while we need more research to confirm this, taking supplements could reduce the effects of certain diseases.

In contrast, adequate vitamin D levels can improve your immune health and reduce the risk of certain infections. It essentially acts as a regulator and can balance your system, which keeps people free from disease.

Stronger & healthier bones

Vitamin D is essential for strong and healthy bones as it helps the body to absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone growth. When your body doesn't produce enough vitamin D, it won't be able to use calcium, which can lead to weaker bones.

Young people with a deficiency can develop a condition known as rickets, which weakens the bones and causes deformities. In adults, the condition is called osteomalacia (also known as a softening of the bones).

In the case of a long-term deficiency, osteoporosis can occur. It's treatable, but there's no cure, and weakened bones can lead to a lot of pain and damage your posture. Calcium is instrumental for creating strong bones, and maintaining vitamin D levels will dramatically reduce your risk of rickets and osteoporosis.

A safer pregnancy

Vitamin D is essential for pregnant women as it helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for developing the baby's bones and teeth. A deficiency can also cause pre-eclampsia, leading to high blood pressure and increased risk of complications during pregnancy.

While the best source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight, many women do not get enough sun exposure during pregnancy. As a result, taking a daily vitamin D supplement is vital for pregnant women.

How does vitamin D deficiency impact the body?

People with a vitamin D deficiency might not notice any symptoms initially, but the lack of nutrients can put you at risk of calcium-related diseases or a severe hormone imbalance.

There are plenty of symptoms you might experience, but these are the most common:

• Weak muscle function
• Fragile bones/osteoporosis
• Muscle twitches
• Pain in the muscles
• Stiff joints
• Feeling tired

Taking vitamin D supplements daily will keep your bones and muscles healthy and reduce your risk of developing certain conditions.

RECOMMENDED DAILY DOSE: 

• Babies up to 12 months old: 10mcg (400 IU)
• Children 1-18 years old: 15mcg (600 IU)
• Adults - 15mcg (600 IU)
• Senior citizens: 20mcg (800 IU)
• Pregnant and lactating females: 15mcg (600 IU)

COMMON SOURCES OF VITAMIN D:

• Sunlight
• Oily fish
• Mushrooms
• Fortified milk or cereals and juices
• Egg yolks
• Beef liver
• Cheese

Are you at risk of Vitamin D deficiency?

While sunlight ensures the body can naturally create vitamin D, some people are more at risk of deficiencies than others. Here are some of the factors that might make you more susceptible.

Skin pigmentation

While you might think that living in a country with more sunlight can reduce the risks of low vitamin D levels, studies show that some of the warmest countries in the world have a higher prevalence of deficiency (The Lancet).

People with darker skin have been found to be more at risk of deficiencies, which can turn into hyperpigmentation. When this happens, the body is less effective at absorbing UVB rays, resulting in less vitamin D.

Lack of sun exposure

Natural sunlight is a central part of vitamin D absorption, and people that work night shifts can develop deficiencies. Sleeping during the day or living in a country with minimal sunlight are common risk factors, and housebound people are more likely to have problems.

Older people

As a person ages, their body cannot utilize vitamin D as effectively as younger people, resulting in deficiencies. Older people usually spend more time inside, which can lead to less sun exposure, worsening the problem.

Obese individuals

You're less likely to absorb the vitamin effectively if you have a higher than average body fat percentage. Individuals with a gastric bypass might also have problems with a regular supplement dose, but taking more vitamin D can prevent deficiencies.

Fat absorption issues

As vitamin D is a fat-soluble supplement, your gut is directly responsible for processing it. If you have a condition that limits the effectiveness of your gut, it can lead to deficiencies.

Breastfeeding women

When a woman breastfeeds her child, she shares any minerals and nutrients with the baby. Therefore, women need to top up their levels and ensure that they and baby get the recommended daily intake.

Increase your Vitamin D levels without breaking the bank

At Sealions, we're on a mission to cut through the red tape and make some serious waves in the health and wellness industry. Why should people have to pay £30.00 a month to be healthy?

You sign up to a vitamin subscription company, choose your cocktail or supplements and eagerly wait for your fancy pack of goodness to reach your doorstep.

The problem with this is that most of your money goes into the company's back pocket and on fancy packaging. It doesn't need to be this expensive, and we're all about disrupting the norms.

When you shop with us, you can take advantage of excellent prices and a quality guarantee.

Tablets for everyone

Not everyone likes taking tablets, but chewable vitamin brands can be costly. At Sealions, you spend the same on chewable vitamins as with capsules, so you won't have to worry about the kids.

Better still, we even offer pet supplements, ensuring you can protect the whole family at low prices.

Vegan-friendly vitamin D

Vegetarians and vegans will always need supplements, as many animal-derived products contain vitamin D. 

Our range is suitable for all dietary needs, and we always go out of our way to offer vegans everything they need for a healthier lifestyle.

Environmentally friendly

One of the worst things about vitamin suppliers is their love of plastic. It's everywhere! We aim to disrupt the usual way of doing things by using compostable pouches for all our vitamins.

You can buy our ethical products without worrying about how your decision will impact the environment - and save money - because plastic is expensive.

Shop Vitamin D supplements today

With great deals on all of our supplements, better bone health and a stronger immune system can be yours at the touch of a button. We go out of our way to offer speedy delivery on all of our products and are always available if you'd like to discuss your requirements.