Summer is the season when we finally welcome the sun back into our lives. Beyond relaxing on a terrace or enjoying a day at the beach, sunlight offers us something truly valuable: vitamin D.
In a country like the Netherlands, where sunny days are often few and far between, it’s especially important to boost your vitamin D levels during the sunnier months.
What is Vitamin D and why is it important?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in numerous essential bodily functions, including:
The absorption of calcium and phosphate for strong bones and teeth¹
Supporting a healthy immune system²
Maintaining muscle function and mental balance³
Without enough vitamin D, you may feel tired, irritable, or even low in mood. Prolonged deficiency also increases the risk of osteoporosis and infections⁴.
Where do I get Vitamin D?
Your body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight (specifically UVB rays). You can also get it through your diet, including:
Oily fish (salmon, herring, mackerel)⁵
Fortified margarine and cooking products
Eggs and meat
Supplements
However, research shows that many people in the Netherlands still do not get enough vitamin D, even in summer. Factors such as using sunscreen, working indoors, or having darker skin can all limit vitamin D production⁶.
Signs of vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can show up in different ways. Common symptoms include fatigue and low energy, even when you’ve had enough sleep. People often experience muscle or joint pain with low vitamin D levels. You may also notice a weaker immune system, making you more prone to infections. Finally, mood swings and low mood can occur, partly because vitamin D affects brain function and hormonal balance⁷. Not sure if your vitamin D levels are where they should be? A simple blood test can give you quick clarity.
How IKARIA Clinics can help
At IKARIA Clinics, we look beyond the symptoms. We start with an in-depth analysis of your blood values, hormone profile, lifestyle, and mental wellbeing. Based on this, we create a personalised treatment plan that may include hormone optimisation, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle advice tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to support your body in regaining balance and restoring health naturally.
Start today
Your health is your most valuable asset. Ready to invest in it?
Book your appointment at IKARIA Clinics and discover how to enhance your energy, resilience, and vitality.
Sources
Voedingscentrum. “Vitamine D.” www.voedingscentrum.nl
Gezondheidsraad. “Aanbevelingen vitamine D-suppletie.” www.gezondheidsraad.nl
RIVM. “Vitamine D in Nederland.” www.rivm.nl
Harvard Health Publishing. “The truth about vitamin D.” www.health.harvard.edu
Stichting tegen Kanker. “Voeding en zonlicht.” www.kanker.be
Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde. “Vitamine D-tekort bij verschillende bevolkingsgroepen.” www.ntvg.nl
Thuisarts.nl. “Klachten bij een tekort aan vitamine D.” www.thuisarts.nl
WHO. “Micronutrient deficiencies: Vitamin D.” www.who.int
Gezondheidsraad (2012). “Nieuwe richtlijnen voor vitamine D.”
This article was written with the help of AI.