Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, normal blood calcium levels, normal bones, teeth and muscle function and to the normal function of the immune system.
Recently updated vitamin D recommendations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggesting 15 ug (600 IU or International Units) per day for individuals over the age of one. The Vitamin D Council recommends 5000iu a day for adults all year round and the Endocrine Society recommends 1500-2000iu a day.
Each tablet provides vitamin D as easily absorbable D3 cholecalciferol.
Low vitamin D levels can be caused by lack of exposure to sunlight and not consuming enough of the vitamin in the food we eat.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia, soft, weak bones. A lack of vitamin D can cause pain in bones and joints, muscle pain, tiredness and fatigue, depression and hair loss.
If you have low levels of vitamin D, which can be confirmed with a simple blood test, treatment would be high levels of vitamin D over several weeks followed by a maintenance dose of 1000iu per day.