Scots won’t take Vitamin D

MORE than half of people living in Scotland are not taking Vitamin D supplements, despite Scottish Government advice to do so.

Scots are advised to take a daily dose of the ‘sunshine vitamin’, particularly during the winter months.

In Scotland, there is only enough of the right kind of sunlight for human bodies to make Vitamin D between April and September, mostly between 11am and 3pm.

From October to March, Scots need to rely on dietary sources of Vitamin D such as oily fish and eggs, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and spreads.

However, a poll of almost 1,500 Scots has indicated that 58 per cent of those interviewed do not ‘take a Vitamin D supplement’.

Dr Gillian Purdon, head of nutrition science and policy at Food Standards Scotland, said: ‘Current dietary advice is that all adults and children in Scotland should consider taking a daily supplement containing ten micrograms of

Vitamin D, especially during the winter months.’

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: ‘We know Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone and muscle health, so we want to make sure people are aware of current advice on supplementation and understand why it is important. This is especially vital over winter, when we are unable to make Vitamin D from sunlight.

‘While around 60 per cent of those who took part in the poll are aware of the current advice, it is clear that we have more to do.

‘This winter we will continue to work with Food Standards Scotland, Public Health Scotland and others to raise awareness and build on the work that is already under way to support people in Scotland to maintain their Vitamin D levels.’