Author: Kirkimbayeva Sandugash
Translator: Issabayeva Madina
Copy editor: Kigbaeva Kamila
Millions of people across the UK are forced to spend more time in homes and indoor spaces as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Increasing the amount of time spent at home means that many of us may not get the same amount of vitamin D that we usually get when we’re on the street.
In response, England’s Public Health (DHS) issued a new guide calling on the public to consider taking vitamin D supplements. So, what is vitamin D, why people are asked to consider taking it in large quantities, and how is that going to help our health during coronavirus proliferation?
Vitamin D is one of the minerals that helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are essential to maintain bone, tooth, and muscle health, according to the official NHS (National Health Service) manual. If we do not get enough vitamin D for our body, it can lead to bone deformation, such as rickets in children and osteomatization (bone softening) in adults.
Our skin produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun. «The precursor of vitamin D is located in skin cells (kertateinocytes), and it is thanks to sunlight that the complex of reactions turns it into an «active» form, so that it can be used by the body», says NHS doctor Asif Munaf. «This is important for immunity, as we know that it has an anti-inflammatory effect».
Why are we being asked to consider taking more vitamin D? Vitamin D not only protects our bones and teeth, but also helps us not get sick, which is very important during a pandemic. OZ says we have to take 10 micrograms of vitamin a day to keep us healthy.
OZ recommends taking vitamin D within a year if:
• You are not often on the street
• You live in a nursing home
• You usually wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
The UK government says you shouldn’t take more than 10 micrograms a day unless recommended by your doctor. Children under 1 year of age require 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day. Children aged 1 and older require 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day. This includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as people at risk of vitamin D deficiency», - said in the guide. The government also encourages people not to buy more vitamin D than they need.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/
