Vitamin D is especially important for Irish people. Photo: Michele Blackwell

Vitamin D has never been so crucial

Vitamin D supports us in maintaining healthy bones and teeth and plays a role in the prevention of serious illnesses.

A new Government report this month also recommends the use of vitamin D as a public health measure to reduce the risk of respiratory and other illnesses such as osteoporosis.

This year LloydsPharmacy has seen a 200 per cent increase in vitamin D sales over the last 12 months. Rebecca Barry, LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist said: “Boosting your immunity through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is important advice for all of us. However, some people, depending on their age, current health and lifestyle, may benefit from taking additional vitamins and supplements.

“Vitamin D is important for our overall health, but so is vitamin B, C, iron - the list goes on. If you aren’t sure what you need to support you and your family, speak to your local LloydsPharmacy team, who have been trained to guide you to the right choice.”

Here are some tips:

Hang a daily vitamins chart: This is a great way to engage younger family members and make the daily routine enjoyable.

Take your vitamins at the same time as your family: Not only are they good for you, too – but kids love to mimic older people.

Set a recurring alarm mid-morning to remind you to take your vitamins: Setting it to align with your mid-morning coffee break is a good reminder to stay on track.

Leave vitamins somewhere you can see: This may seem like an obvious one, but how many times have you forgotten to take your vitamin because they were buried at the back of some kitchen press?

Regular updates on LloydsPharmacy stores are available at www.lloydspharmacy.ie/.