Vitamin D (Containing D3, K2, & Magnesium)

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recommends everyone in the general population aged 4 years and older should have 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day.

Getting adequate vitamin D can be challenging for most of the UK population, but it can be even more challenging to achieve in people with coeliac disease due to the impact damage to the small intestine can have on its absorption. In addition, bone health issues are more common in people living with coeliac disease compared to the general population, so optimising vitamin D is even more relevant.

Vitamin D is essential for various processes that occur in the body like maintaining bone health and supporting the immune system, amongst many others. It is predominantly made by the skin after spending time in the sun, but it can also be provided to a smaller extent through food.

It can be particularly difficult to synthesise enough vitamin D through winter and autumn months in the UK due to the lack of sunlight. This is why the government advises that everyone over the age of 4 in the UK considers taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D from late March/ early April until the end of September. Additional factors like not spending much time outdoors or wearing clothes that cover up most of the skin when outdoors can further increase the risk of having low vitamin D.

Permitted health claims in the UK:

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
• Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels.
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
• Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division.
• Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of falling associated with postural instability and muscle weakness. Falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women 60 years of age and older.

Magnesium

• Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance.
• Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
• Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.
• Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.
• Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
• Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
• Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division.

Vitamin K

• Vitamin K contributes to healthy blood clotting.
• Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.