Is it worth taking vitamin supplements? 

Speaking on The Hard Shoulder, Natural Life owner Sarah Brereton said it is a “bit of a myth” that humans can get everything they need nutritionally from a balanced diet. 

“We’ve different requirements and needs,” she explained. 

“Coming into the colder months, it’s like the name suggests, it’s to supplement what we’re already eating. 

“So, we’re not to depend on them but at different stages [they’re helpful]. 

“Definitely wintertime, vitamin D - that’s really important for immune health.” 

Bottles of Vitamin D supplements photographed in a pharmacy in Remington, Virginia, on February 26, 2019. (Photo by Kristoffer Tripplaar/Sipa USA)

People who are exposed to the sun absorb Vitamin D naturally but in Ireland, a lack of sunshine during the autumn and winter month means we usually get less than is ideal. 

“Where we’re located, we’re not getting much from Halloween right through to St Patrick’s Day because we’ve such a northern latitude,” Ms Brereton said. 

“We don’t get enough from our diet, from dairy products, from egg yokes. 

“It is in some fortified foods but the level that we need to [have] a healthy immune system and healthy bones, we’re nowhere near that.” 

A man struggles with his umbrella in Dublin city centre. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Brereton said it is “really advisable” to take Vitamin D supplement and while she personally “dreads” taking tablets, there is an alternative available. 

“Lots of studies have been done on Vitamin D since COVID time and there’s a handy little spray,” she said. 

“Just do it into your mouth, hold it for 20 seconds and it absorbs under the tongue.” 

The HSE advises that “Everyone in Ireland needs to take a vitamin D supplement.” 

It also notes the amount you should take will vary depending on age, skin tone, and the time of year.

Main image: A woman taking a vitamin supplement at breakfast. Picture by: Alamy.com