OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who still feels dreadful despite being prescribed vitamin D tablets.

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Q: I HAD a vitamin D deficiency but after prescription-strength tablets, I still feel dreadful. Why?

A: Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common in the UK.

That’s despite guidelines advising us all to take supplements from October until April each year, as sunlight – the primary source of vitamin D – is in short supply during these months.

If vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed, a regime of a high-dose replacement of the vitamin will be advised by the doctor, either as weekly or daily doses over six to ten weeks.

After this, any symptoms caused by the deficiency, such as fatigue, muscle weakness or mood changes, should be alleviated.

So if they are no better, it’s important to return to the doctor as there may be an alternative cause.

Low energy levels could be linked to conditions such as anaemia, thyroid dysfunction or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Additionally, vitamin D deficiency often coexists with deficiencies in other nutrients such as magnesium or calcium, which are essential for energy.

So, if you haven’t already, see your GP again and, in the meantime, focus on a vitamin D-rich diet by eating foods such as oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), eggs and fortified foods.

TIP: If you often feel dizzy when standing up, it could be due to low blood pressure.

Try contracting your calf muscles before standing, as this helps push blood back to your heart.

And rise slowly.

But if you experience this frequently, visit the GP, especially if you also have any heart palpitations, shortness of breath, blurred vision or weakness.