Are we Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for your body to help maintain strong and healthy bones by aiding calcium absorption. Often referred to as 'the sunshine vitamin' because the sun is one of the best sources of the nutrient and the vitamin is made in the skin. So how do we ensure we're getting enough of 'the sunshine vitamin' when we're approaching the shortest day of the year?

1 Fatty fish and seafood contain vitamin D in abundance. Herrings, mackerel, tuna, sardines, anchovies, salmon and oysters, they're also considered good brain food.

2 Did you know that mushrooms are the only completely plant based source of vitamin D. Just like humans, mushrooms make their own vitamin D.

3 Eggs are rich in the vitamin, especially the yolk. Try to buy free range eggs where possible or get a couple of hens of your own.

4 Cottage cheese, cow's/soy and almond milk, tofu and certain types of yoghurt contain 'the sunshine nutrient'.

5 Making the most of the great outdoors. Even though the nights are drawing in, we can still get out and enjoy a bit of sunshine. Go for a walk in your lunch break, sit in the park with a book or enjoy a jog with a friend.

The bottom line, vitamin D is an essential nutrient that many of the population don't get enough of, especially in winter. If you would like advice about your diet and nutrition, get in touch with Debbie or Emma.