In updated advice from the government, the public is being told to take 10mcg of vitamin D a day during the pandemic.

The new advice - published by Public Health England and The Scottish Government (23 April) - comes after concerns that people may not be receiving enough of the vitamin after being told to stay indoors.

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The advice tells people who do not get enough sunlight to purchase vitamin D supplements from their pharmacy or supermarket; but also warns people ‘not to buy more than they need’.

Vitamin D is needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

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PHE already recommends that adults and children over the age of one should consider taking a daily supplement of vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter, for musculoskeletal health.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that vitamin D reduces the risk of Covid-19, the National Pharmacy Association stressed in their announcement of the update.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include, oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel - red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified foods, although it is difficult to achieve sufficient levels through diet alone.

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Last week, the government announced that the UK lockdown was extended for ‘at least another three weeks’.