Winter Wellness: Vitamin D and Supporting Normal Immune Function

As we move deeper into the European winter, daylight becomes scarce. For many of us, this impacts more than just our schedule - it impacts our biology.

Written by

Aware team

Medically Reviewed by

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Vitamin D is unique because our bodies can produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. However, during winter months in the northern hemisphere, the angle of the sun is often too low for effective synthesis.

Why Vitamin D Matters

Vitamin D is not just about bone health; it is a key player in your body’s defense system. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

When your levels drop below the reference range, you may not be supporting your immune defenses as effectively as possible.

To Supplement or Not?

Because Vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is stored in the body. This means that unlike water-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin C), it is possible to have levels that are too high if you supplement excessively without monitoring. Conversely, many people in Europe have levels below the recommended range in winter without realizing it.

Check Your Status

The only way to know your Vitamin D status is through a blood test. Monitoring your levels ensures you can adjust your lifestyle or supplementation to maintain a level that supports normal immune and muscle function throughout the winter.