Free Vitamin D for residents 60+
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Newham residents aged 60 or over are eligible for free vitamin D supplements to help you stay healthy. This is because it can be harder for people aged 60 and over to get enough vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. People who don’t have enough vitamin D are more likely to fall or break bones.
A good source of vitamin D is sunlight. It is also found in some foods. However it can be hard to get enough vitamin D so doctors recommend taking vitamin D supplements (tablets) to keep healthy.
Where can I get the free Vitamin D from?
How do I collect the vitamins?
The staff at the collection sites will first check that you (or the person you are collecting for) are aged 60 or over. If so, they will give you the supplements and some information about the offer.
You can collect for up to two people at a time, one pack of supplements per person.
The staff will ask you to complete a short form with some information about you and/or the person you are collecting for. This is so we can assess the success of the offer.
You will not need to provide information that could identify you to collect the vitamin D supplements. This means you will not need to give your name, date of birth, address or phone number. You will not need to show any identification documents.
Collecting vitamin D supplements from a place of worship
In places of worship (Mosque, Temple, Gurdwara), Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs follow religious rituals. As soon as they enter the building, they wear a head scarf/covering and remove their shoes.
When collecting vitamin D supplements from places of worship, we would appreciate it if you:
- Wore a head scarf/covering
- Remove your shoes upon entering the building.
In most cases, the place of worship will lend you a scarf or covering if you do not have one of your own. By respecting the religious rituals you will be showing respect for the places of worship and its adherents.
What is in the supplement?
Vitamin D supplements are a type of food supplement. Newham Council offers two different types of supplements for different diets.
- Tablets suitable for vegetarian and halal diets. These are available at most collection sites.
- Tablets suitable for vegan and kosher diets. These are available at some collection sites.
Both types contain the same amount of vitamin D. Both types are free from gluten, sugar, yeast, artificial colourings, preservatives and additives.
Do not take the tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the pack. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Where else can I get supplements?
You can buy vitamin D supplements in pharmacies, large supermarkets and online. Doctors do not prescribe this type of vitamin D supplement.
How do I take the vitamins?
Adults and children over 12 years can take one tablet (which contains 1,000 international units/ 25 micrograms) of vitamin D a day with food or drink. You can take it at any time of day.
Do not take more than the recommended amount of one tablet a day.
Do not take the tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the pack. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure you should store the supplements below 25 degrees.
Could it have side effects?
Vitamin D supplements are safe have no known side effects when taken as recommended.
Can I take it if I am on medicines?
You can take vitamin D supplements with almost any medicines. If in doubt, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there a chance of taking too much?
You should take one tablet a day, which contains 1,000 international units (equivalent to 25 micrograms) of vitamin D.
Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to take as much vitamin D safely. Talk to your doctor if in doubt.
If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.
I already take vitamin D prescribed by my doctor. Should I take this too?
No. If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice.
Do I need to get my vitamin D levels checked?
No. Your doctor will only check your levels if you have symptoms of low vitamin D.
How else can I get vitamin D?
Our bodies can naturally make vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin. In the UK this only happens between April and October, when the sun is stronger.
Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods such as oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines), red meat, liver and egg yolks.
Vitamin D is also added to some foods, such as some breakfast cereals and fat spreads.