There’s a lot to love about winter! Crisp walks, cosy nights in, and maybe a cheeky hot chocolate or two. But let’s be honest—winter can also leave us feeling run-down, low on energy, and a little blue.
What if I told you a big part of that could be down to low vitamin D—the ‘sunshine vitamin’?
In this newsletter, I’m breaking down what you really need to know about vitamin D—why it’s so important, how to spot if you might be low, and what to do about it. Trust me, it’s worth paying attention to this one. Let’s dive in.
Why Vitamin D is So Important
Vitamin D isn’t just another vitamin—it’s actually a hormone, and it’s absolutely vital for your health. Low levels can be linked to:
Low mood and depression
Fatigue and muscle weakness
Poor immunity
Skin problems and slow healing
Hormonal imbalances
Research even connects low vitamin D to more serious conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Scary stuff—but the good news is it’s so easy to fix once you know about it!
Why Are We So Low in Vitamin D?
Here’s the deal—our bodies make vitamin D when sunlight hits our skin. But in the UK, we don’t get enough sun in winter to keep our levels topped up.
Other reasons you might be low include:
Sun cream obsession – Great for preventing sunburn, not so great for vitamin D production.
Getting older – We’re less efficient at converting sunlight into vitamin D as we age.
Gut or digestive issues – Poor absorption means you’re not making the most of the vitamin D you do get.
Obesity – Fat cells can ‘trap’ vitamin D, leaving less available for your body to use.
Stress and poor sleep – Both can block your body from properly using vitamin D.
Skin colour – Darker skin has more melanin, which naturally blocks UV rays, meaning less vitamin D production.
Could You Be Deficient?
Here are 10 signs you might be low in vitamin D:
Feeling low or anxious
Constant tiredness
Muscle aches or weakness
Joint pain
Slow wound healing
Recurring infections
Hair loss
Low calcium levels
Blood sugar crashes
Unexplained weight gain
These symptoms are often brushed off as ‘normal,’ but they’re really not. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to get tested.
How to Get Tested
You can ask your GP for a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. Most GPs are happy to run this if you explain your symptoms. If not, you can do a quick and easy finger-prick test at home for around £44. Let me know if you need help finding one.
Knowing your levels means you can top up safely—because yes, there is such a thing as too much vitamin D, so supplements need to be tailored.
How to Boost Your Vitamin D Levels
Get some sunshine – 10–30 minutes a day (without sun cream) when you can. Tricky in winter, but every bit helps.
Light therapy – Use a light box for 30 minutes daily to mimic sunlight exposure.
Food sources – Think oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), egg yolks, and liver. But let’s be honest—food alone won’t cut it in winter.
Supplement smartly – A general 1,000 IU daily dose is safe, but ideally, get tested first so you know exactly how much you need.
Ready to Take Control?
If winter leaves you feeling tired, down, or struggling with your skin, hormones, or energy, don’t ignore it. Vitamin D could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Get tested, top up if you need to, and start feeling like yourself again.
Need help figuring out where to start? Hit reply and let’s chat—or book an appointment with me to create a personalised plan to boost your health and your glow. 💛
Stay warm and stay well,Sam ✨
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