While Vitamin D supplements are often associated with winter, when sunlight is limited, it's still important to consider your intake during the summer months too. Despite longer, sunnier days, many people continue to fall short of the recommended levels of this essential nutrient.

Let’s explore why Vitamin D is important year-round and why supplementation during the summer may still be necessary for your overall health and wellbeing.

Yes - and here’s why. Our bodies cannot store Vitamin D for long periods, meaning a regular intake is needed to maintain healthy levels. Although sun exposure can provide up to 90% of your needs, many factors can reduce how much you produce - even in summer:

• Use of SPF (which blocks UVB rays responsible for Vitamin D production)
• Spending most of the day indoors (e.g. at work)
• Wearing clothing that covers most of your skin
• Living in northern latitudes or areas with inconsistent sunshine
• Having darker skin tones (which naturally produce less Vitamin D from the same amount of sunlight)
• Vitamin D supplements can help bridge this gap—providing a consistent source regardless of the weather or your daily routine.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by supporting several key bodily functions. It contributes to a healthy immune system, helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, promotes strong bones and teeth, supports normal muscle function, and aids cardiovascular health. Since it is essential for the absorption of vital minerals like calcium and phosphorus, maintaining adequate levels is important for long-term wellbeing.

While many people can benefit from continued supplementation in summer, some groups are especially at risk for deficiency:

• Vegetarians and vegans (limited intake from plant-based diets)
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women (increased nutrient needs)
• People with limited sun exposure (indoor workers, shift workers)
• Older adults (reduced ability to synthesize Vitamin D)
• People with darker skin tones (require longer sun exposure for the same Vitamin D benefit)

Sunlight

Short periods of daily sun exposure—typically 10 to 30 minutes between 11am and 3pm—can help your body produce vitamin D. However, this varies by skin type, location, and time of year. Always balance sun exposure with skin safety.

Food Sources

Some foods naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with it:

• Oily fish (like salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• Liver
• Eggs
• Fortified dairy products
• Fortified plant milks (soya, almond, oat)
• Fortified cereals
• Fortified tofu or meat substitutes

If you're not getting enough from food or sunlight, supplements are a reliable option to help maintain healthy levels. There are a wide variety of forms to suit different lifestyles and dietary needs. Revive Active’s range of super supplements contain Vitamins D and are a convenient (and tasty) way to get the amount you need all year round.

The NHS recommends a daily amount dose of Vitamin D at 400 IU for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people aged 1 to 70 years and 800 IU for people over 70 years - especially during autumn and winter. However, given how many factors influence sun exposure and Vitamin D synthesis, taking a supplement year-round may be the most effective way to support your health. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider—especially if you're on medication or managing a health condition.

Even in summer, Vitamin D supplements can play an important role in supporting your immune system, bones, and overall wellbeing. Whether you're soaking up the sun or spending most of your time indoors, maintaining consistent Vitamin D levels can help you stay healthy all year long.