"just get whatever the cheapest brand is."
Dr Amir Khan told fans that “most of us” need to take a common supplement that costs around 2p a pill.
The GP appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on November 28, 2024, to chat about the importance of Vitamin D.
He told host Lorraine Kelly: “Vitamin D is really important through the winter time because we get most of it from sunlight.
“Our skin makes it, but because there isn’t enough sunlight we need to supplement it.”
Dr Khan urged viewers that now is the time to start taking the supplement if they haven’t started already.
According to the NHS, 10 micrograms or 400 International Units of Vitamin D is required per day during the autumn and winter months.
Many of us might opt for more expensive brands with the thought that it is the most effective but Dr Amir Khan said that this is not necessary.
He continued: “Don’t bother with expensive brands, just get whatever the cheapest brand is.”
Dr Khan added that the nutrient is “really good for immune health [as it] activates new cells, helps with protective barriers, the skin, the gut, [and] the lungs”.
He went on to say he is often asked whether people should also take magnesium and Vitamin K supplements.
Dr Khan revealed: “The answer is yes and no, you do need magnesium as this activates Vitamin D, turning it from its inactive form to its active form, so it can do all of its jobs.”
He explained that magnesium can be found in “loads” of foods, including dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and wholegrains.
Dr Khan highlighted the importance of Vitamin K2, stating that one of the jobs of Vitamin D is to take calcium to teeth and bones.
The medic said: “What you don’t want is that calcium building up inside of arteries and organs.
“Vitamin K2 directs it away from them, into your bones and your teeth. But again you get it from foods.”
He added that Vitamin K2 can be found in eggs, cheese, liver, and fermented foods.
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Dr Amir Khan also shared a segment on Instagram.
He captioned the post:
“Most of us need a Vitamin D supplement through the autumn/winter months – that is definitely recommended BUT do you need to take magnesium and Vitamin K2 supplement too to help with Vitamin D?
“Here’s what I think. Hope it’s helpful x.”
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