WHY VITAMIN D3 MATTERS DURING THE UK WINTER
With the short days of winter, sunlight becomes a real luxury and many of us in Jersey face the seasonal challenge of keeping our vitamin D levels topped up! D3, often called the “sunshine vitamin”, plays an essential role in supporting immunity, mood, bone strength, and overall wellbeing. Yet during winter, our bodies struggle to produce enough naturally.
Unlike many nutrients we can reliably get through food, vitamin D is harder to find in food alone. Oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods contribute, but even a well-balanced plate rarely provides everything we need. In typical UK winter conditions, sunlight isn’t strong enough for the skin to synthesise vitamin D effectively. For this reason, public health guidance recommends that most people consider a daily vitamin D supplement from October through March.
It’s important to remember that supplementation is exactly that, a supplement, not a substitute for a well balanced diet and lifestyle. A varied intake of whole foods gives your body the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients it needs to be at its best. Think of vitamin D3 as a targeted support tool that works alongside healthy eating, helping to fill a seasonal gap that even the most rounded diet can’t easily cover.
Why focus on D3 specifically? Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form our skin produces from sunlight and tends to be more effective at raising and maintaining blood levels compared with D2. Consistent daily intake can help support normal immune function, contribute to the maintenance of healthy bones and muscles, and may help keep energy and mood steadier during the darker months.
As with any supplement, quality matters. Look for vitamin D3 sourced from reputable brands and if you’re an athlete competing, look for the Informed Sport kite mark, to give you peace of mind that it has been tested for banned substances. Ideally pair the D3 with a healthy fat to improve absorption.
While supplementation can be a small daily habit, its impact over the winter months may be significant. With the right combination of quality food, lifestyle choices, and smart supplementation, you can help your body stay resilient and energised until the sun returns!
By Paul Garrod
Director of True Food
