The importance of vitamin D

Twenty-five Harley Street consultant to address doctors

Dr Caje Moniz of Twenty-five Harley Street day clinic will address other medics on the 4th of July at a Nutrition MATTERS, a Continuing Professional Development event held at the BMA.

Those who are unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to tune in via the web.

Dr Moniz – who is consultant clinical biochemist and has held the position of Head of Biochemistry at King’s College - provides expert interpretation of biochemistry laboratory results and clinical advice. Hr will speak on the ‘Biochemistry of Vitamin D: From Lab to Bedside’.

What happens if you don't have enough vitamin D?

A lack of vitamin D can cause a host of problems including:

  • A loss of strength
  • Chronic pain
  • Broken bones
  • Low mood

Recent research on vitamin D

How to obtain vitamin D

Sunlight is the easiest way to obtain vitamin D, but it is hard to estimate how much time you should spend in the sun as it’s dependent on your skin type. For example, those of African and Asian heritage may need to spend longer in the sunshine to obtain enough vitamin D. It’s also important to take care not to burn.

Some research on this matter has been done in Spain. Researchers from the University of Valencia  analysed ultraviolet solar irradiance - or the time it takes for the skin to redden - in Valencia. Rays were monitored for one month of each season between 2003-2010.

The results show that the average person (skin type III) should not spend more than 29 daily minutes in the city's direct sun during July.

In January, the same individual can remain exposed for 150 minutes to get enough of the nutrient. 

Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.

Should we supplement vitamin D?

The latest advice from Public Health England is that adults and children over the age of one should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter.

People who have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are being advised to take a supplement all year round.

So what's the latest thinking on vitamin D?

The CPD Nutrition MATTERS aims to bring medical professionals up to speed with the latest information on this valuable vitamin and will feature case studies on Vitamin D deficiency and Osteoporosis and well as management of nutrition medicine and conditions

Other speakers include Professor Sam Lingam and Dr Philip Hawes and there will be opportunity for a question and answer session for the experts.

To find out how to attend or access this CPD please contact Dr Andrew Barton on abarton@bma.org.uk.

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The organ that stores urine. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
One of the three main food constituents (with carbohydrate and protein), and the main form in which energy is stored in the body. Full medical glossary
A viral infection affecting the respiratory system. Full medical glossary
An organ with the ability to make and secrete certain fluids. Full medical glossary
An animal or plant that supports a parasite. Full medical glossary
Invasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites. Full medical glossary
A large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Full medical glossary
The parts of the body that are involved in respiration. The respiratory tract includes the nasal passages, throat (pharynx), windpipe (trachea), bronchi and lungs. Full medical glossary
Essential substances that cannot be produced by the body and so must be acquired from the diet. Full medical glossary