NHS issues vitamin D guidance for people taking supplements this winter

The NHS reminds the public that sunlight between October and early March is insufficient for vitamin D production and reiterates recommended daily amounts of around 10 micrograms for most adults and children over one, with lower limits for infants; it also warns not to exceed set upper limits to avoid harm.

The NHS has reiterated guidance about vitamin D for people taking supplements this winter. It reports that most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight between late March or early April and the end of September, but that between October and early March sunlight is not sufficient. The guidance highlights groups at higher risk of low vitamin D, and sets recommended daily amounts and upper limits. What the NHS says: - Most people should be able to make necessary vitamin D from sunlight between late March/early April and the end of September, but not between October and early March. - Recommended intake for most adults and children from age 1 is 10 micrograms (mcg) per day; babies up to age 1 need about 8.5–10 mcg per day. - People with very little sun exposure or with darker skin (for example African, African-Caribbean or South Asian backgrounds) may not make enough and are noted as groups to consider taking 10 mcg year-round. - Upper intake limits are stated as: do not take more than 100 mcg (4,000 IU) per day for adults (including pregnant and breastfeeding women), no more than 50 mcg per day for children aged 1–10, and no more than 25 mcg per day for infants under 12 months. - The NHS notes that taking too much vitamin D over a long period can cause excess calcium to build up (hypercalcaemia), which can weaken bones and affect the kidneys and heart. Summary: The NHS restated that many people make less vitamin D in the darker months and repeated recommended daily amounts and upper limits for different age groups. It identified higher-risk groups such as young children, some infants, people with little sun exposure, and those with darker skin. Undetermined at this time.