The Case for Vitamin D

I regularly request blood tests for clients that I suspect may have low levels of vitamin D. More often than not the test results come back showing less than adequate levels.

GP's sometimes ask me what makes me suspect these clients may be low in vitamin D. There are some common indicators: ethnicity - if you have darker skin you are simply less able to produce Vitamin D from the sun. Obesity - body fat binds with Vitamin D and prevents it being utilised, so people who store fat around their middle are generally at greater risk of deficiency. I often find that client's who complain of constant colds and chest infections are the ones who are most likely to have low levels of this important nutrient. This makes sense, as Vitamin D plays a central role in immune function and research suggests it may reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections. People with Crohn's or Celiac disease are also at higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency and should be tested at least once a year.

The best way to find out if your vitamin D levels are low is to have a finger prick blood test. This can be ordered by your nutritional therapist, carried out at home, and sent off to a fully accredited NHS laboratory. Vitamin D is also a relatively inexpensive nutrient, so it makes sense to check your levels and support your immune system as this critical time.