Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 24/01/2012 16:44:51

Title: Are Vitmain D supplements a decent alternative?
Post by: thedoc on 24/01/2012 16:44:51

Is vitamin D in tablet form a genuine decent alternative to the natural UV form?  Can it act as a decent substitute or alternative?
Asked by Jen Jackson, Facebook


                                        Visit the webpage for the podcast in which this question is answered. (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/show/20120122/)

 

Title: Are Vitmain D supplements a decent alternative?
Post by: thedoc on 24/01/2012 16:44:51

We answered this question on the show...



I think the answer is yes, it is an acceptable alternative. 
The fact is, it is very difficult in our modern world to persuade people to get out into the sunshine.  I mean, that is the best thing to do to get out into the fresh air, get exercise, as well as getting sun exposure, and obviously, that's going to affect things like obesity and so on. 
But the reality is that especially in the winter months in the northern climbs, you're still not going to get enough vitamin D from that source, so you really have to take a supplement unless you have a diet that is very rich in oily fish which would give you a natural supply.