But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. Read more about vitamin D and sunlight. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that supplements are safe and claims are truthful. Some companies have their products independently tested by U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), ConsumerLab.com (CL) or NSF International. Supplements that bear the USP, CL or NSF abbreviation meet voluntary industry standards for quality, purity, potency, and tablet disintegration or dissolution. Different types of calcium supplements have different costs. Comparison shop if cost is a factor for you. Supplement form

What is third-party certification? NSF International. https://www.nsf.org/about-nsf/what-is-third-party-certification. Accessed Oct. 18, 2020. Bone health is something we tend to neglect until it’s too late. We take our bones for granted, without realising that they play an essential role in our daily lives. Bones provide the framework for our body and protect our vital organs. 2 They also store calcium and other minerals that support our overall health. But as we age, our bones start to lose mass and density, making them more prone to fractures and breaks. 2 That’s why it’s crucial to take care of our bone health, and one way to do that is by ensuring you get enough Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. 1 Benefits of Calcium, Magnesium & Vitamin DIf you are allergic to calcium/magnesium/vitamin D; any part of calcium/magnesium/vitamin D; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and Children from the age of 1 year and adults need 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19. Good sources of vitamin D Nature’s Own Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D3 contains these three nutrients essential for bone health and strength in one tablet, designed to support bone mass and bone density, as well as muscle function. Sometimes the amount of vitamin D is expressed as International Units (IU). 1 microgram of vitamin D is equal to 40 IU. So 10 micrograms of vitamin D is equal to 400 IU. Should I take a vitamin D supplement? Advice for adults and children over 4 years old

Taking high doses of calcium (more than 1,500mg a day) could lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea. What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise? This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take calcium/magnesium/vitamin D.You should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year. Advice for infants and young children Dietary supplements verification program. U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. https://www.usp.org/verification-services/dietary-supplements-verification-program. Accessed Oct. 18, 2020.

As we grow older, our bones start to weaken, and our risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis increases. To maintain strong bones and general health, we need to incorporate nutrients that maintain bone health into our diets. 1 Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining healthy bones and bone quality. 1 Here, we explore the benefits of these essential nutrients and why they should be taken together to reap the most benefits. Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme can get free supplements containing vitamin D. Calcium supplements cause few, if any, side effects. But side effects can sometimes occur, including gas, constipation and bloating. In general, calcium carbonate is the most constipating. You may need to try a few different brands or types of calcium supplements to find one that you tolerate the best. What prescriptions you takeTell all of your health care providers that you take calcium/magnesium/vitamin D. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. About ConsumerLab.com. ConsumerLab.com. https://www.consumerlab.com/aboutcl.asp. Accessed Oct. 18, 2020.