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The Scottish Government have updated their health advice to the general public, recommending we all start getting a daily dose of Vitamin D.

The health guidance has been changed to reflect the fact that people are spending more time indoors under lockdown and so won’t be getting as much sunshine, a key source of vitamin D.

The essential supplement can be produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes but people in the Northern Hemisphere often suffer from a lack of the vitamin, which can be treated with supplements or by eating foods containing it.

A Government statement published last week says: “Since it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including children and pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

“This advice is especially important for people who are indoors all of the time.”

You can read the full statement on the government website here, including detailed guidance for children, babies and pregnant women.

New study says Vitamin D can help

Meanwhile a study by a team in the Republic of Ireland has found that Vitamin D helps prevent respiratory illness and benefits immune function.

The findings, by researchers at Trinity College Dublin lends weight to the idea that the supplement can stop the disease reaching a critical stage, reports news website Independent.ie.

Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA, said: “We have evidence to support a role for Vitamin D in the prevention of chest infections, particularly in older adults who have low levels. In one study Vitamin D reduced the risk of chest infections to half in people who took supplements.

“Though we do not know specifically of the role of Vitamin D in COVID infections, given its wider implications for improving immune responses and clear evidence for bone and muscle health, those cocooning and other at-risk cohorts should ensure they have an adequate intake of Vitamin D.”

A BMJ study in 2017 reached similar conclusions, finding vitamin D supplementation resulted in a 12% reduction in respiratory patients experiencing an acute tract infection.



Scotland’s latitude position at 55 degrees North means that useful sunlight for production of Vitamin D only occurs between April and September.

A report from the 2010 and 2011 Scottish Health Surveys found that 47% of people from the poorest areas were suffering from a lack of Vitamin D.

Guidance from the Association of UK dietitians says people should seek to spend some time outdoors in the sunshine in your garden or balcony.

“However, if you are having to self isolate or if you are unable to go outside, you should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms to ensure a healthy vitamin D status (for adults and children over the age of one).

“All babies under one year should be given a daily supplement of 8.5-10 micrograms unless they have more than 500mls of fortified formula milk.

“You can also eat plenty of vitamin D rich foods, including: