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Health alert issued as all Brits urged to take one tablet from October

A health alert has been issued to Brits as people have been urged to take a vital tablet from October. An NHS GP said it could help to fight off winter bugs.

Woman holding green pills and a white open pill bottle

A doctor has urged people to take the supplement (stock image) (Image: Getty)

A doctor has advised all Brits to begin taking a vitamin supplement to help combat bugs and viruses during the autumn and winter periodNHS GP Doctor Shireen recently informed people it’s vital to take the vitamin as temperatures drop, and we struggle to obtain sufficient amounts naturally during this season.

The expert, who frequently shares useful health guidance on TikTok, believes it’s something many people should be aware of, as it’s critical for strengthening your immune system throughout autumn and winter. If you’re hoping to ward off as many bugs and viruses as possible, it’s something you might want to consider without delay.

There are numerous advantages to incorporating the supplement into your routine, including helping to combat bugs. Nevertheless, if you’re concerned about an ailment you’re experiencing, there are certain cold and flu symptoms you shouldn’t dismiss.

Doctor Shireen explained: “There is one supplement that everybody without question needs to be taking. We are nearly in October, [and] from October to March the NHS guidelines are everyone should be taking vitamin D.

“We get most of our vitamin D from the sun and, during the winter months, the daylight hours are too short so, even if you’re outside all day, you’re not getting enough exposure to the sun to be getting enough vitamin D.”

She added: “You have to just take it. That is everybody. A lack of vitamin D reduces your immunity, so where we are now, getting all these winter bugs, you’re going to be much more likely to get sick.

“It also has really bad side effects, so you might feel very tired, aches, pains and it is literally so prevalent in this country because so many people just don’t realise.”

If you spend considerable time indoors, or steer clear of the sun, the doctor said it’s also sensible to take the supplement throughout the year, as vitamin D is so crucial. When you can’t obtain it from the sun, she explained you must source it elsewhere.

The clip has been watched hundreds of times since being posted, and numerous people were swift to respond. They shared various opinions.

What you might not know is that vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles by supporting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Besides being manufactured by the skin when exposed to sunlight, it can also be sourced from certain foods, including oily fish and fortified products or supplements.

A shortage of vitamin D can lead to bone disorders like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Additionally, it can also affect immune function.

The NHS website states: “Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged one to four and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.

“There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19), but there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19. During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.

“But, since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.

“Between late March or early April to the end of September, most people can make all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin and from a balanced diet. You may choose not to take a vitamin D supplement during these months.”

Further details regarding vitamin D are available on the NHS website. Anyone with concerns about taking a supplement should consult their GP before making any alterations.

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