LAST week the UK saw record temperatures for February two days in a row. I even ventured out with my dog in shorts and enjoyed basking in the 18 degrees heat!

Have you ever noticed how much better you feel when the sun is out and you feel the warm glow on your skin? That’s the power of vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine hormone.

Unfortunately for us in the UK we are severely lacking in sunshine which means our vitamin D levels are considerably lower than those who live in sunnier climates. In fact, it is one of the only supplements that health practitioners and medical professions agree on as being essential for residents in this country.

So why all the fuss? One of the major reasons is it is essential for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, and its ability to help resist against certain diseases including heart disease, multiple sclerosis and even the flu! It has also been shown to play an important role in regulating mood and reducing depression and anxiety. A number of studies in this area have shown that people suffering from depression taking the supplement noticed an improvement in their symptoms.

Through the winter months, it can be a little more challenging hitting your recommended daily dosage unless you’re lucky enough to spend it abroad. For the rest of us a daily supplement and consuming foods such as salmon, sardines and chesnut mushrooms which are high in the vitamin, are the best way to counteract the darker months.

Always check with your GP before taking supplements.