Supplements no substitute for sunshine

Emeritus Professor from Deakin’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Caryl Nowson, said supplements were overused as a way of getting vitamin D.

“Supplements are only useful for those where the risk of vitamin D deficiency is high and low vitamin D status has been identified with a blood test.

“It is preferable for the body to make natural vitamin D because, unlike with supplements, there is no possibility of an overdose.”

Professor Nowson says the best source of vitamin D is sunlight, and that supplements should only be used by those who are unable to take in the vitamin in more natural methods.

Yet she still advises caution for those who require the supplements.

“There appears to be a view among the general population that vitamin D tablets are safe and you can’t have too much, as the body will expel what it uses, but that’s misguided.

“Overdoses are caused by megadoses of supplements, not diet or sun exposure, and are toxic.”

There are many factors that determine how much sunlight people need to avoid vitamin D deficiency. However, Professor Nowson states that for most people a few minutes mid-morning and mid-afternoon are sufficient.

She also said that one long day in the sun was not an adequate substitute for daily exposure.

“Vitamin D needs to be produced by the body, from sunshine, daily. It is a nutrient that is needed for health, particularly to maintain strong bones and teeth by helping the body to absorb calcium.”