Vitamin D Supplementation Urged as Winter approaches to Bolster Immunity & Bone Health
PARIS – As daylight hours dwindle and winter approaches, health experts are emphasizing the importance of vitamin D supplementation to maintain optimal health, particularly immune function and bone strength. reduced sun exposure during autumn and winter months can lead to deficiencies, prompting recommendations for proactive supplementation.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and defending against illness. Beyond immunity, it’s vital for absorption of calcium and phosphorus, contributing considerably to bone health, muscle mass maintenance, and hormonal activity. “Vitamin D is liposoluble which is why I recommend using drops rather. They will be better assimilated in a fatty substance; you can pour two or three drops directly onto your plate. You can take vitamin D all winter long,” advises Sophie Pihan.
Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency, including elderly people, infants, pregnant women, those undergoing menopause, and individuals with darker skin tones, for whom sunlight-based vitamin D synthesis is less efficient, as highlighted by Anses.
Increasing vitamin D intake can also be achieved through dietary choices. Recommended food sources include oily fish like sardines and herring, vitamin D-enriched dairy products, certain cereals, egg yolk, dark chocolate, and offal. The sun remains the primary source of vitamin D, but supplementation offers a reliable alternative when exposure is limited.
