Vitamin D Supplements

The two main types are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.

• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is produced by plants & fungi which are exposed to UV light i.e. mushrooms & yeast.

• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced by the human body in response to sunlight and is also available through dietary sources, such as fish and algae.

According to studies, D3 is 1.7 to 3 times more potent and has a longer-lasting effect than D2 in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels - the active form of vitamin D in humans. This is why we use D3 for all the vitamin D products in our range.

The amount of sunlight you need to get enough vitamin D varies. It depends on factors like your skin tone, where you live, the time of year, and how much you expose your skin. Generally, spending a short time outdoors each day can help your body produce vitamin D. For more information, see our vitamin D blood test guide.

Absolutely. A meta-analysis concluded that vitamin D can reduce respiratory tract infections by 50% in people who are deficient and 10% in people who are sufficient.  

It really depends. Many factors are at play, including our state of health, age, skin tone, and diet. If you’re deficient, you would want to take a higher dose.

Children aged 1 to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day. The dose safe for all ages is 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day.

Before supplementing with vitamin D, it’s wise to find out your levels with a vitamin D test kit (super easy to take yourself at home!), or speak with your GP or nutritionist for tailored advice.

In short, yes. 

Children under 5, pregnant women, those with malabsorption conditions (IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, coeliac disease), those who suffer from autoimmune conditions, people who are overweight and those on a plant-based diet are more likely to have insufficient levels. 

As you grow older, your skin’s ability to make vitamin D starts to drastically decline, so the elderly are also at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Darker skin has a much higher level of melanin, the brown pigment which functions to filter and protect the skin from UV rays. The darker your skin, the more efficiently you block out UV rays decreasing your skin’s ability to make your own supply of vitamin D. 

Supplementing with Beam & Balance Vitamin D + K2 Spray gives you a plentiful daily dose of vitamin D3, supporting those with a risk of deficiency.

As we’re all very different, our vitamin D needs vary. Testing to find out your vitamin D levels and requirements, or chatting to a nutritionist will help you to determine a personalised dose and schedule. 

Vitamin D plays a role in our neurotransmitter function and brain health. Deficiency has been linked with mood disorders, including depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).