Vitamin D Deficiency: When Should You Start Supplementing?

Did you know that an estimated 40–80% of adults are deficient in Vitamin D? It’s a staggering number — and one that has major implications for your health and wellbeing. In this post, we’ll explore why Vitamin D deficiency is so common, how to know if you might be low, and when and how to start supplementing to support your body through the darker months.

Why Vitamin D Deficiency Is So Widespread

Our bodies make most of our Vitamin D through sunlight exposure on our skin. But in the UK and other northern countries, sunshine isn’t exactly guaranteed — especially once autumn and winter arrive. Even in summer, a range of lifestyle factors can make it difficult to produce enough:

• Darker skin tones absorb sunlight less efficiently.

• Living in the Northern Hemisphere means shorter daylight hours and weaker sun.

• Spending most of your time indoors (including in care homes or offices).

• Wearing sunscreen constantly or covering up your skin.

During the sunnier months, getting outdoors with arms and legs exposed for around 10–15 minutes a few times a week (without sunscreen) is usually enough to keep Vitamin D levels topped up — and your body is smart enough not to make too much.

But with the UK’s unpredictable weather and shorter days ahead, it’s very likely that Vitamin D deficiency will creep in by late autumn unless you take steps to prevent it.

Why Vitamin D Matters for More Than Just Bones

Although we call it a vitamin, Vitamin D is actually a hormone, and almost every cell in your body has receptors for it. It’s involved in hundreds of essential functions, far beyond bone health, including:

• Helping your body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth

• Supporting a healthy immune system and balanced inflammation

• Regulating blood pressure and cholesterol

• Balancing blood sugar and insulin

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• Boosting mood and energy, and protecting against depression and anxiety

• Reducing inflammation and supporting skin health (including psoriasis and eczema)

• Supporting heart health and protecting against autoimmune conditions

If you’re dealing with any of these issues — or even just persistent fatigue, low mood, or frequent colds — it’s worth considering that Vitamin D deficiency could be part of the picture. A simple blood test can confirm your levels.

Choosing the Right Supplement

When shopping for a supplement, look for Vitamin D3 with added Vitamin K2. The K2 is a crucial co-factor that helps direct calcium into your bones rather than letting it accumulate in the arteries.

💡 The Takeaway:

If you recognise any of the deficiency signs above, don’t ignore them. Small, simple dietary changes can have a profound effect — not just on how you feel day to day, but on your long-term health.

If you’d like personalised support on optimising your diet, I offer a FREE 30-minute consultation where we can explore what’s going on for you and how to get your gut health back into balance. Use the link, below, to book.