12/11/2025
PHA Encourages Daily Vitamin D Throughout Autumn And Winter
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging the public to consider adding a daily vitamin D supplement to their routine to maintain wellbeing during the colder, darker months.
While the body can naturally produce sufficient vitamin D from sunlight during spring and summer, the reduced daylight hours between October and early spring in Northern Ireland make this challenging.
Dr. Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, confirmed the recommendation: "We advise people to consider taking a 10-microgram supplement of vitamin D every day to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy."
Although some foods like oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals contribute to intake, most people still require the supplement during this period.
The PHA also noted that several specific groups should take a daily 10 microgram supplement all year round, including:
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• All children aged one to five years.
• Breastfed babies from birth and babies receiving less than 500ml of infant formula daily.
• People aged 65 and over.
• Individuals with minimal exposure to sunlight or those with darker skin tones (including those from African, Afro-Caribbean, or South Asian backgrounds).
Vitamin D supplements are widely accessible in supermarkets and community pharmacies. Additionally, families on qualifying benefits may be eligible for support through the Healthy Start Scheme, which provides free vitamins and can be requested by those who are pregnant (from 10 weeks) or have a child under four.
Further information on vitamin D is available at www.pha.site/vitaminD
The Public Health Dietitians Group has also launched a new online video explainer, "The truth about: Vitamin D and your health", which is available to watch on YouTube. The short video highlights who needs vitamin D, why it matters, and how to top up safely:
While the body can naturally produce sufficient vitamin D from sunlight during spring and summer, the reduced daylight hours between October and early spring in Northern Ireland make this challenging.
Dr. Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, confirmed the recommendation: "We advise people to consider taking a 10-microgram supplement of vitamin D every day to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy."
Although some foods like oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals contribute to intake, most people still require the supplement during this period.
The PHA also noted that several specific groups should take a daily 10 microgram supplement all year round, including:
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• All children aged one to five years.
• Breastfed babies from birth and babies receiving less than 500ml of infant formula daily.
• People aged 65 and over.
Vitamin D supplements are widely accessible in supermarkets and community pharmacies. Additionally, families on qualifying benefits may be eligible for support through the Healthy Start Scheme, which provides free vitamins and can be requested by those who are pregnant (from 10 weeks) or have a child under four.
Further information on vitamin D is available at www.pha.site/vitaminD
The Public Health Dietitians Group has also launched a new online video explainer, "The truth about: Vitamin D and your health", which is available to watch on YouTube. The short video highlights who needs vitamin D, why it matters, and how to top up safely:
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07 October 2024
PHA Encourages Vitamin D Supplementation For Autumn And Winter
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is recommending that everyone consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months to maintain bone, teeth, and muscle health. Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in overall health.
PHA Encourages Vitamin D Supplementation For Autumn And Winter
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is recommending that everyone consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months to maintain bone, teeth, and muscle health. Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in overall health.
17 May 2023
PHA Highlights Support For Those Impacted By Anxiety
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the help and support available for those impacted by anxiety. Marking Mental Health Awareness Week, the PHA is raising awareness of what we can do when experiencing anxiety.
PHA Highlights Support For Those Impacted By Anxiety
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the help and support available for those impacted by anxiety. Marking Mental Health Awareness Week, the PHA is raising awareness of what we can do when experiencing anxiety.
11 May 2012
Research Reveals Vitamin Link To Curbing Blood Pressure
University of Ulster nutrition experts say that one in ten people in Northern Ireland, depending on their genes, could significantly lower their blood pressure and, in turn, their risk of heart disease and stroke by increasing their intake of vitamin B2, which is found in dairy products.
Research Reveals Vitamin Link To Curbing Blood Pressure
University of Ulster nutrition experts say that one in ten people in Northern Ireland, depending on their genes, could significantly lower their blood pressure and, in turn, their risk of heart disease and stroke by increasing their intake of vitamin B2, which is found in dairy products.
02 January 2025
PHA Encourages Active Lifestyles In The New Year
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to get more active in 2025. Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, emphasised the importance of physical activity for both physical and mental health. He highlighted that regular exercise can help improve mood, reduce stress, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
PHA Encourages Active Lifestyles In The New Year
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to get more active in 2025. Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, emphasised the importance of physical activity for both physical and mental health. He highlighted that regular exercise can help improve mood, reduce stress, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
27 September 2018
NI's Daily Prison Population Fell By 2.2%
Northern Ireland's average daily prison population fell by 2.2% during 2017/18 to 1,439, according to the latest Prison Population report published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The report looks at the average daily prison population and the number of receptions into Northern Ireland Prisons for the financial year 2017/18.
NI's Daily Prison Population Fell By 2.2%
Northern Ireland's average daily prison population fell by 2.2% during 2017/18 to 1,439, according to the latest Prison Population report published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The report looks at the average daily prison population and the number of receptions into Northern Ireland Prisons for the financial year 2017/18.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.