Vitamin D 💊

[Claire_ALUK]

Did you know during the winter months that the NHS recommends adults take a vitamin D supplement? This is because it helps keeps your bones and muscles healthy. Your skin makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight, and so with all of us spending more time indoors than usual this year, getting enough sunlight can be a challenge.

In England, the government has said people on the 'clinically extremely vulnerable' (CEV) list will be offered a free winter supply of vitamin D. If you live in England and are CEV, you’ll be sent a letter, offering you a supply of tablets to be delivered to your home.

You can read our guidance for people who are 'clinically extremely vulnerable', including advice on what to do over Christmas, on our website asthma.org.uk/advice/trigge...

[Biggie_McDick]

This also applies in Scotland. I received a letter towards the end of October and ordered my supply. I was told that the supplements would be “delivered from December.”

[doonhamer1967 in reply to Biggie_McDick]

And my supply was delivered today. Thanks to the Scottish Government.

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to doonhamer1967]

And the UK taxpayer......!!

[doonhamer1967 in reply to Pipsqueak77]

Do you believe I do not pay tax?

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to doonhamer1967]

No but it’s not just thanks to the Scottish Government... ! The money comes from the whole of the UK...

[LDloveslattecoffe]

Vitamin D and Folic acid are on my repeat prescription. I don't know cause possibly because I have PCOS (as well as Asthma and Osteoarthritis)

Had borderline was given tablets temporarily then about a couple of years later when depleted my Vit D levels were negligent and I was put on a high dosage for 12 weeks then no supplements and this took me back within the normal range. The vitamin D was stopped and the next time tested had depleted to borderline in 5 months so GP put me on 800iu twice a day haven't had it tested since to see if it is helping.

Have read somewhere the Vit D should be taken in conjunction with Magnesium.

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to LDloveslattecoffe]

The advice is referring to a low dose Vitamin D 'top up' during winter months. See NHS website: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-...

If you have proven very low levels of Vitamin D on a blood test this is different and you would need high dose on prescription from your GP until levels stabilise. It probably worth chatting to your GP again 🙂

[itselenax]

Can low vitamin D also cause tiredness?

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to itselenax]

Hi itselenax, yes it can, if you think you are low you can ask your GP for a blood test to check

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to itselenax]

Yes it can

Symptoms of a vit D deficiency are;

Fatigue

Bone pain

Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps

Mood changes, like depression