BLACKBURN with Darwen Council’s public health director has backed new government advice to take Vitamin D daily during the coronavirus outbreak.

Professor Dominic Harrison was reacting to Public Health England’s new advice that a dose of 10 micrograms every 24 hours could increase protection against Covid-19 and improve recovery.

The new guidance follows research by SAGE - the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies – which is advising the Government on its coronavirus response.

Vitamin D supplements are available free-of-charge for low-income families on the Healthy Start scheme.

Prof Harrison said: “ I am very pleased that SAGE and PHE have finally decided to advise everyone to take Vitamin D.

“I can recommend everyone should now take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of Vitamin D .

“Vitamin D has a range of benefits including for the musculo-skeletal system but crucially it also has important effects on strengthening the immune system."

Sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D for most people.