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Do you need a vitamin D supplement?

Do you need to take a vitamin D supplement? Photo: Getty

There’s plenty to miss when it’s the middle of winter. The warm afternoons, leaving the office while it’s still light, and getting your daily hit of sunshine – and vitamin D.

More than 30 per cent of Australian adults have some kind of vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to health problems including bone and joint pain, and brittle bones.

Responsible for absorbing calcium into your body, the main source of vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight though there are other ways to get a hit - from dietary sources (including fatty fish, egg yolks and beef liver) to a supplement at the direction of your GP.

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If you do feel you need a vitamin D boost, you’ll need two to three hours of direct sunlight to the face and arms in winter and in summer, only five to 10 minutes of mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun if you’re moderately fair; or 15 minutes or more for darker skin.

More: Low vitamin D doubles your dementia risk


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