Dr Amir Khan tells ITV Lorraine viewers about 2p pill good for skin and the gut

ITV's resident doctor, Amir Khan, has shared some health advice with his followers, stating that "most of us" should be taking a common supplement that can be bought for as little as 2p per pill. The full-time GP, who is a regular face on morning TV shows and was chatting with host Lorraine Kelly on Thursday, November 28, emphasised the importance of Vitamin D during the winter months.

He explained: "Vitamin D is really important through the winter time because we get most of it from sunlight. Our skin makes it, but because there isn't enough sunlight we need to supplement it."

If you haven't started taking it yet, now is the time, according to Dr Amir. The NHS suggests a daily intake of 10 micrograms (mcg) or 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D throughout autumn and winter.

Dr Amir added: "Don't bother with expensive brands, just get whatever the cheapest brand is", noting that this nutrient is "really good for immune health [as it] activates new cells, helps with protective barriers, the skin, the gut, [and] the lungs". He also addressed queries about whether magnesium and vitamin K supplements should be taken.

Dr Amir stated: ""The answer is yes and no. You do need magnesium as this activates vitamin D, turning it from its inactive form to its active form, so it can do all of its jobs. "

He pointed out that magnesium can be found in "loads" of foods, such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. Vitamin K2, he said, is also crucial as one of vitamin D's roles is to transport calcium to teeth and bones. "What you don't want", Dr Amir explained, "is that calcium building up inside of arteries and organs, reports Surrey Live.

Vitamin K2 directs it away from them, into your bones and your teeth. But again you get it from foods". He detailed how vitamin K2 is found in certain edibles such as eggs, cheese, liver, and fermented foods. Later on, Dr Amir took to Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes photo.

He captioned the picture with the words "most of us need a vitamin D supplement through the autumn/winter months.

"That is definitely recommended BUT do you need to take magnesium and vitamin K2 supplement too to help with vitamin D? Here's what I think. Hope it's helpful x".