Temasek Holdings Giving 100K Bottles of Vitamin D Tablets to Vulnerable Groups in S’pore

By
Zhi Hao
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Over the last year, we have largely been confined to the safety of our homes – in an effort to circumvent the repercussions of the pandemic.

But we have paid dearly for it.

Due to the excessive amount of time spent indoors, we have come to be deficient in one important vitamin:

Vitamin D3.

Lest you’re unaware, Vitamin D3, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, appears in skin when exposed to sunlight.

It reportedly helps to “strengthen bones and helps support the immune system and muscle function”.

And lest you’re unaware, I’m not accusing everyone here of lacking in Vitamin D3. It’s a notion that has actually been suggested in studies.

So to do without such a vital ingredient in our body would be akin to committing spiritual suicide, and we absolutely can’t have that.

“But what can we do?” you ask.

Well, in normal times we might be screwed.

But it appears that these are special circumstances, and help may be on the way.

Temasek Holdings Giving 100K Bottles of Vitamin D Tablets to Vulnerable Groups in S’pore

The philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings, Temasek Foundation, will be distributing vitamin D supplements for free to low-income households over the next two weeks.

In total, over 100,000 bottles of D3 tablets are expected to be given out from 15 March to 28 March.

Created by the nutrition and health arm of German multinational BASF., each bottle contains 100 tablets – which should last the average adult for around two months.

The programme is part of Temasek Foundation’s Stay Prepared Covid-19 initiative – which seeks to assist people during the pandemic.

Eligibility

Singapore residents with “blue or orange Community Health Assist Scheme cards or public assistance recipients” can redeem a bottle at designated Guardian, Unity or Watsons pharmacies.

5,000 pregnant women who are receiving antenatal care will also be supplied by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).

“We see a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women globally and in Singapore,” said Professor Jerry Chan, senior consultant at the Department of Reproductive Medicine at KKH.

“It is important for pregnant women to get an adequate amount of vitamin D, as it is proven to reduce the risk of complications in pregnancies such as pre-term birth and low birth weight in infants.”

Meanwhile, Charity Sata CommHealth will be in charge of giving the tablets to some 1,500 vulnerable seniors.

Beneficial

Admist these tumultuous times, staying healthy and fit has never been more important.

And getting sufficient Vitamin D goes a long way in assisting that notion.

“The benefits of vitamin D have been in the shadows for a while…” said Temasek Foundation Cares chief executive Woon Saet Nyoon.

“With just some outdoor exercise every day and diet choices you can improve your immunity and better protect yourself.”

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin D helps to control the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitates regular immune system function.

Sufficient Vitamin D is also important for the growth and development of bones and teeth, and increased resistance against particular diseases.

Should you suffer from insufficient intake of Vitamin D, you could be prone to bone abnormalities such as soft bones or fragile bones.

It has also been shown to combat diseases, reduce depression and aid in weight loss.

So for the rest of us who aren’t getting any free bottles, go out and exercise daily to get your dose of this useful vitamin.

Featured Image: Temasek Foundation

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Zhi Hao
Email: [email protected]