GP Amir Khan urges UK residents to start vitamin D supplements this October

Amir Khan, known from ITV and a practising general practitioner, posted an October reminder on Instagram urging UK residents to start a vitamin D supplement as daylight shortens. He explained that from October to the end of March, sunlight is inadequate for the body to synthesize enough vitamin D, and the NHS recommends a daily intake of 400 IU (10 µg). Khan highlighted that while most people can meet this amount, those already deficient might require higher doses, but cautioned against over-supplementation, which can lead to hypercalcaemia and organ damage. He suggested obtaining vitamin D from foods such as oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, fortified spreads and cereals, but emphasized the importance of medical advice before beginning any supplement regimen.