The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to take a daily vitamin D supplement to support health during the autumn and winter months.
Vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, diet and supplements. From October to early spring, it becomes difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight in Northern Ireland. While foods such as oily fish, eggs, meat, dairy products and fortified cereals provide small amounts, most people still need a supplement to maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Dr Hannah McCourt, health and social well-being improvement manager at the PHA, said: “During the spring and summer months, our bodies can make the vitamin D we need from food and sunlight on our skin. However, during the autumn and winter months, with reduced daylight, we advise people to consider taking a 10-microgram supplement of vitamin D every day to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.”
This recommendation follows guidance from the UK government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, which warns that vitamin D deficiency is more likely in regions with limited winter sunlight. Public Health England and equivalent bodies in the devolved nations also highlight vitamin D’s role in immune function and in preventing conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Some groups are advised to take a daily 10-microgram supplement throughout the year:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Breastfed babies from birth
- Babies receiving less than 500ml of infant formula per day
- All children aged 1–5 years
- People aged 65 and over
- People who are not exposed to much sunlight
- People with darker skin tones, including those from African, Afro-Caribbean or South Asian backgrounds
The PHA’s advice is part of a wider effort to address vitamin D deficiency, which affects around one in five adults in the UK according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Northern Ireland’s geographical position limits ultraviolet B exposure in winter, making supplements an important way to maintain adequate levels.
Vitamin D supplements are widely available in community pharmacies and supermarkets. Families who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme may be eligible for free vitamins.
Dr McCourt added: “You can buy vitamin D supplements at your local community pharmacy and most supermarkets. If you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or you have at least one child that’s under four, and you’re in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you can also request vitamins as part of the Healthy Start Scheme. You will also be eligible for Healthy Start if you’re under 18 and pregnant, even if you are not claiming any benefits, or you claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance and are over 10 weeks pregnant. Click here for more information. If you are not sure which supplements to take, ask your pharmacist, GP or health visitor for advice.”
The Healthy Start scheme, administered by the UK government, provides free vitamins to eligible low-income families to support maternal and child health. Applications can be made online or by paper form, with vouchers issued to those who qualify.
Health experts note that while food contributes to vitamin D intake, sources such as oily fish, eggs, red meat, fortified margarines and breakfast cereals contain only small amounts. The recommended daily supplement of 10 micrograms equals 400 international units, which is the standard dose sold over the counter.
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer has previously backed similar campaigns, stressing that vitamin D supports musculoskeletal health and overall wellbeing, including possible links to reduced respiratory infections. The PHA encourages residents to consult healthcare professionals before starting supplements, particularly those with medical conditions or taking medication that could interact.