It’s vital that we supplement our vitamin D intake in the autumn and winter months when the sunlight is sparse, but vitamin D also has a range of benefits. …read moreSee less
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Are Vitamin D and Vitamin D3 the same thing?
To answer this question properly, we need to understand that Vitamin D is a type of vitamin, rather than the vitamin itself.
Vitamin D is used when we talk about Vitamins D3 and D2, which are slightly different from one another.
The main difference between the two is that Vitamin D2 comes from plant sources and Vitamin D3 comes from animal sources (e.g. cod liver oil, egg yolks).
Vitamin D3 is also created in your body when sunlight hits your skin, which is why the NHS advises Brits to take vitamin D supplements during the winter months.
If you buy Vitamin D or a multivitamin with Vitamin D included, the nutritional table on its packaging will let you know whether you’re getting Vitamin D2 or D3, so if you need one, in particular, this is where you’ll find the information you need.
Can I take vitamin D and cod liver oil together?
Yes, you can safely take vitamin D and cod liver oil together. Cod liver oil is naturally rich in vitamin D, too, so you may not need to add a vitamin D supplement to your routine. However, during the autumn and winter months when we aren’t getting enough sunlight, it’s advised to supplement your vitamin D.
How does vitamin D help the body?
Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin, as it is created by the body when our skin is exposed to direct sunlight.
We can also receive it by consuming certain foods, such as:
- Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- Red meat
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Fortified foods, such as some breads and breakfast cereals
- Vitamin D is important, as our body requires it for maintaining both physical and mental health.
It helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, as well as helping our body to absorb calcium to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
Our bodies require vitamin D from birth, to ensure our bones are strong and to promote healthy development.
Which vitamin deficiency causes fatigue?
Vitamin deficiencies aren’t as uncommon as you might think, especially here in the UK.
It is estimated that one in 5 adults and 1 in 6 children in the UK have low vitamin D levels, symptoms of which may include tiredness and fatigue.
Another vitamin deficiency that can cause fatigue is iron deficiency anaemia, which is particularly common in vegans, vegetarians and menstruating women.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a vitamin deficiency, you should speak to your GP so they can issue a blood test to identify the exact problem.
