A GP has taken to social media to share the one medication she believes everyone in the UK should be taking.
Dr Raj Arora, who has a following of 143,000 TikTok users, used her platform to emphasise the health benefits of Vitamin D – a supplement known particularly for promoting strong bones.
“Vitamin D is really important for our bodily function,” she began. “It’s important for healthy bones, muscles, teeth, for your immune system and for your mood.”
Dr Arora continued to explain that our bodies usually produce all the Vitamin D we need through exposure to sunlight. Whilst some foods are also rich in it such as egg yolk, oily fish and fortified foods, getting enough of the vitamin during winter can be challenging, she says.
The doctor explained: “In the UK it is difficult to get your required amount from sunlight alone as we don’t see a lot of sun – and therefore it is recommended that in the months from October to March, that you consider taking a daily supplement of Vitamin D.”
According to Dr Arora, adults should aim to take at least 10 micrograms per day – and children can benefit too.
She concluded: “From the age of one to four, a daily supplement of 10 micrograms is required. There are loads of brands available and you can get them from most pharmacies – so if you’re not taking the supplement between October and March, you really should consider it.”
TikTok users were quick to offer their own advice, suggesting that Vitamin D should be paired with Vitamin K2 for better absorption.
Dr Jo Ward, a fellow TikTok user, advises: “Vitamin D should always be taken with Vitamin K2 – the reason why is if you take D on its own it can cause calcification of the arteries. Vitamin K2 prevents that so it’s a really good idea to find a formula with K2 and D together.”
What does the NHS say about Vitamin D?
Advice on the NHS website reads: “Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
“A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults. Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.
“People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged one to four, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.”
If you have any concerns about your health, visit a medical professional for advice or book an appointment with your GP.