Public Health England issues new guidance on daily vitamin D intake

Public Health England has released new information regarding the amount of vitamin D people should get on a daily basis. The vitamin, which is important for the health of bones and muscles, has been given a recommended daily intake of ten micrograms.

Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D can be produced by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. This means that sun exposure is the main source of the vitamin for most people. 

While this is achievable in spring and summer, as the seasons offer more sunlight hours, the amount of vitamin D skin can make in autumn and winter is restricted. This means a daily dietary intake of ten micrograms of vitamin D is recommended, whether through food or supplements.

Babies and young children need vitamin D to grow and remain healthy, so Public Health England has recommended supplements of 8.5 to ten micrograms a day for babies under a year old. Children and toddlers should receive the full ten microgram supplements.

The new advice is based on the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.