HEALTH NEWS

How to get enough vitamin D in your diet, plus a savoury cheese muffin recipe

While the UK government recommends food sources and supplementation during the winter months, exposure to sunlight is one of the best ways to get your vitamin D in summer. Midday (11am-3pm) is the best time to get some sunlight. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, so darker-skinned people need longer in the sun than lighter-skinned people to produce the same amount of vitamin D. It’s not known exactly how long you need to spend in the sun, but studies suggest between 10-15 minutes for lighter skin tones and 25-40 mins for darker skin tones. Be sure to use sunscreen and protective clothing. For more advice, visit bbcgoodfood.com/am-i-gettingenough-vitamin-d.

& Emily Thomas reports on fortifying staple foods with vitamin D. To listen, search BBC Sounds for The Food Chain.