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.
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 period. NHS 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.