Most of us can get all the vitamins and minerals we need by eating a healthy, balanced diet. But occasionally we need that little extra help.
Our body makes most of our vitamin D in reaction to sunlight on our skin. It's also found in a small number of foods. It can be hard to get enough vitamin D during the winter because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.
People aged 65 and older are at particular risk of a lack of vitamin D, especially during the winter period.
To help older residents stay healthy this winter, the council is running a six-month offer of free vitamin D supplements, from November 2021 to April 2022. Preventing vitamin D deficiency could have significant health benefits for this population who are at higher risk of weakened bone and muscle health.
Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Newham Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “We are taking action to ensure our vulnerable residents can access a free supply of vitamin D supplements to last them through the darker winter months. This will support their general health, keep their bones and muscles healthy and, crucially, reduce the pressure on our NHS during the winter period.”
Residents aged 65 and over will be able to collect vitamin D supplements from a number of locations across Newham, which will be opening throughout November.
To find out more, including where to collect supplements, visit www.newham.gov.uk/vitamind or speak to a member of staff in one of Newham’s many libraries.