As autumn approaches, you might be contemplating glasses of red wine and retrieving your coziest clothes from the wardrobe—but a doctor suggests that it’s also time to focus on supplements. 

Dr. Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warns that shorter days and more overcast weather mean our bodies will no longer naturally produce enough vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is crucial for the normal function of our muscles and immune system, and because it aids the body in absorbing calcium, it’s essential for maintaining bone and muscle health. 

‘Without this nutrient, people are more at risk of conditions such as rickets or osteoporosis—highlighting its importance,’ said Dr Grant. 

‘Additionally, the vitamin is also crucial for supporting the immune system, helping the body protect against infections or diseases. 

‘A lack of vitamin D could put your body at a heightened risk of autoimmune conditions and chest infections.’ 

The minimum threshold for vitamin D is set at 20ng/ml by the Institute of Medicine in the US, whereas the UK NHS considers 12ng/ml to be a healthy baseline. 

It is currently estimated that around one in six adults in the UK do not get enough vitamin D—and older people need to be especially careful. 

Dr. Grant stated: ‘Apart from bone health and immune support, vitamin D is crucial for muscle function, and a deficiency could lead to muscle weakness. 

‘This emphasises that people of all ages must adopt a healthy nutrient intake, as older individuals could be at an increased risk of falls.’ 

Vitamin D naturally occurs in foods such as oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks and is also synthesized by the body when exposed to sunlight, which is why it’s often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’. 

And it’s because of this that Dr Grant says now is the time to start supplementing. 

He said: ‘It’s fair to say summer has come to an abrupt end, with stormy weather up and down the UK.  

‘While most vitamins can be attained through a healthy diet and lifestyle, vitamin D is typically gained from sunlight. 

‘As we approach the colder, less sunnier months, supplements can be a great source of the vitamin.

‘With daylight hours set to drop, the body may require additional support in attaining this crucial vitamin, and that’s why I strongly recommend purchasing some vitamin D supplements at this time of year. 

‘Taking these supplements earlier in the year can combat the lack of sunlight, avoiding the risk of nutrient deficiencies throughout the colder period.’ 

Dr Grant added that, in his opinion, the best supplements to take offer more than the NHS’ recommendation of 400 IU of vitamin D per day. 

‘People can rest assured knowing their immune, bone and muscle functions are being adequately supported. 

‘With the weather remaining quite disappointing, it’s important to keep on top of nutrient intake to avoid a reduction in well-being.’ 

When adding supplements to your diet it’s important to seek your GP’s advice, especially if you are already living with a health diagnosis.  

Because excesss vitamin D causes the body to absorb more calcium than it needs, it can cause it to accumulate in the bloodstream and then get deposited into tissues in the kidneys, lungs and heart.

This leads to nausea, vomiting, constipation, dehydration, bone pain and kidney stones.