Super D

I like to keep up to date with research in nutrition and the latest findings on food and nutrients.  It doesn't often change my recommendations, usually reinforcing them, but it's important to keep an eye on the latest developments.

The one nutrient that I've seen mentioned more than any other over the last few months is vitamin D.  We already know that vitamin D is a very important nutrient for bone health as well as for immune function against organ cancers. However the latest research shows a significant reduction in respiratory infections in children when supplemented with vitamin D.

This was conducted in Mongolia, where sunlight is limited so natural vitamin D production would be limited, revealing the importance of children getting adequate sunlight exposure. The UK isn't exactly sun central so children with repeated respiratory infections may benefit from supplementation.

Vitamin D can be stored in the liver so you make lots during your hot summer holidays to use the rest of the year, but I don't tan easily so don't spend alot of time in the sun and take vitamin D in the winter months to keep myself topped up.   You can also get vitamin D through you diet by eating eggs and fish, so if you're vegan supplementation is much more important.