The 2p daily vital vitamin that helps anxiety and hot flush symptoms

A doctor has shared that a 2p tablet, which you can take on a daily basis, that could help tackle common symptoms such as anxiety and hot flushes. Dr Fiona MacRae from the Marion Gluck Clinic has said that Vitamin D3 can help with these - and you can grab them from as little as £1.50 from the likes of Asda, meaning it costs just 2.5p per tablet for a two-month supply.

Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, is a period of hormonal shifts for women and, during this, many have symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, anxiety and fatigue - to name a few. To help manage these symptoms, there are pills women can take to tackle what they could have on a daily basis.

According to the expert, Vitamin D3, also known as the sunshine vitamin, plays a crucial role, such as bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation. "One of the primary benefits of vitamin D3 during perimenopause is its role in promoting bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, women are at a higher risk of bone loss and fractures. Vitamin D3 can help mitigate this risk by supporting bone mineralization and density."

In addition to its role in bone health, studies have shown that vitamin D3 can help regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, which are common during this time. Vitamin D3 is essential for normal serotonin synthesis and help support the immune system, which can be weakened by hormonal changes during perimenopause. When it comes to hot flushes, the vitamin can help regulate hormones including estrogen and progesterone, which can help alleviate some of the symptoms of perimenopause, helping to reduce hot flushes, night sweats and other symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Dr MacRae added: "It is important for women going through perimenopause to ensure they are getting an adequate amount of vitamin D3. While the body can produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, many women may not get enough sunlight due to factors such as living in northern latitudes, wearing sunscreen, or spending most of their time indoors. In these cases, supplementation with vitamin D3 may be necessary to ensure optimal levels."

What are good sources of vitamin D3?

Good sources of vitamin D include:

• oily fish – such as salmon, herring and mackerel
• red meat and offal – such as liver and kidney
• egg yolks
• fortified cereals, soya products and spreads

The NHS states: "In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries." The health service adds that currently, the Government advice is that "everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they're having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year".