Scots advised to take vitamin D supplement every day

Sunshine at Kinghorn - credit marydoll

People in Scotland are advised to take a vitamin D supplement between September and April to protect their bones and muscles.

Vitamin D is most commonly absorbed through exposure to sunlight. Those who spend a lot of time indoors should also take it during the summer, according to new official guidance.

The guidelines come after the Scottish Government accepted the advice of a Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report, which showed Scots have lower levels of the vitamin in their blood than people in England.

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Professor Hilary Powers, chair of the SACN working group, said it was largely down to the climate in Scotland.

Scotland’s public health minister Aileen Campbell said: “Vitamin D is essential for good bone health and it is important that we raise awareness of this and of these new guidelines on supplementation.

“Healthcare professionals play an important role here and we will work to ensure that they are fully aware of these new recommendations.”

Although the research suggests vitamins should be taken by all, Scottish government guidelines are only for those over six months old.