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Vitamin D is very important to your overall health and wellbeing. One of the best ways to top-up on the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ is to take daily supplements. But which type of vitamin D supplement is the best?
Vitamin D could be crucial in protecting against coronavirus infection, scientists have revealed.
It’s believed that around 80 percent of all COVID-19 patients have a vitamin D deficiency.
The UK government is now reportedly plotting a nationwide scheme to hand out free packets of vitamin D supplements to England’s clinically-vulnerable patients.
But if you were to buy vitamin D yourself, which type of supplement should you be looking out for?
What is the best type of vitamin D?
There are two types of vitamin D available; vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Both of these are crucial to your overall health, and they each have their own benefits.
But, it’s largely accepted that vitamin D3 is the most important type of vitamin D.
While vitamin D2 is produced by plants, vitamin D3 is the type that’s made by your skin when you stand outside in direct sunlight.
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That means that the vitamin is more accessible to the body, seeing as it’s used to making it by itself.
More of the vitamin D is used within the body, as it’s more effective, according to Holland and Barrett.
It’s believed that vitamin D3 is responsible for maintaining the amount of vitamin D in our bodies over the winter period.
If you decide to eat more vitamin D-rich foods to boost your vitamin D levels, you should note that D3 can only be found in animal products.
“Vitamin D2 and D3 are the two most important forms for your health. Vitamin D2 is produced by plants, and Vitamin D3 is the one made by your skin when you get enough sunlight,” it said.
“Experts used to think that vitamins D2 and D3 were of equal importance for human health. But this was based on outdated studies of rickets in children. These days, we know lots more about Vitamin D. And it’s clear that D3 is far more important – and more effective – for our health and wellbeing.
“Vitamin D3 is the biologically active form of the vitamin, found in our bodies and in animals. When sunlight hits exposed skin, a reactive process converts cholesterol into Vitamin D3.
“Although you need both forms, Vitamin D3 is more important for your health and wellbeing. Our bodies absorb and use Vitamin D3 better, and it is more effective at treating diseases.
But if you decide to take vitamin D supplements this winter, you should avoid taking too much.
Taking too high of a dose can lead to a condition known as hypercalcaemia, which is where calcium builds up in the body.
You should avoid taking more than 100mcg of vitamin D in a single day, said the NHS.
Instead, opt for a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement to see you through the winter.
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