A woman in her 80s recently told me that if she had one message to pass on to the younger women of today, it is to take Vitamin D. She went on to talk about her current struggles with arthritis and the pain she suffers in her hips when she walks.

Recognising the lack of sunshine and cloud-cover in Ireland, particularly from October to March, I researched the benefits of Vitamin D to corroborate this woman's stern warning.  And yes, although the body can synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight when outdoors during the Spring/Summer months, it can be difficult or next to impossible to get this important nutrient into our bones when working 9 to 5 jobs all year round, with only 3 to 4 weeks of freedom to get some sunshine.

We can find Vitamin D in a few food sources, like oily fish, red meat, some cheeses and eggs, but if you are a vegetarian or vegan, these are not an option. As a result, many health experts recommend taking a daily dose of Vitamin D3 to supplement your daily intake.

Vitamin D is mostly important for bone and teeth development and health. However, there may be other benefits including:

• Disease prevention/immune health support (including heart)
• Muscle & nerve function 
• Elevate moods and reduce depression
• Weight loss support
• Slowing down the ageing process 

Vitamin D supplements are available in capsules, chewable tablets, drops, gummies and oral sprays. Vitamin D3 is the most common form (read more here about the difference of Vitamin D2 & D3 / Lloyds Pharmacy). As with any supplement, it is best to consult with your doctor prior to starting a course of Vitamin D to ensure you are taking the right dose for you.

Read more about the benefits of Vitamin D here. (Healthline)