vitamin d supplements

Call for evidence issued as 1 in 6 adults show low levels of vitamin D

A review has found that one in six adults and around 20% of children in the UK have a vitamin D deficiency making them more susceptible to rickets and bone pain. 

The call for evidence will look to identify new ways of improving vitamin D intake across the UK through dietary supplements and fortified food and drink.  

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) launched the call to raise awareness of the importance of vitamin D and receive vital feedback from the public and health experts as well as food manufacturers. 

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We must break the link between background and prospects for a healthy life, and I am determined to level up the health of the nation and tackle disparities. 

“People from Black and Asian communities, older people and people who have limited access to the outdoors are more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D, which is essential for bone and muscle health and improving years of life lived in good health. 

“I have launched this call for evidence to identify innovative ways we can encourage people to increase their vitamin D intake and help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.” 

The public call for evidence comes ahead of the Health Disparities White Paper, which is due to be published later this year and will look to set out aims in reducing health disparities between communities and recognise the causes, so people’s backgrounds do not affect their prospects of a healthy life.  

Currently it is advised that all adults and children try to maintain a daily intake of 10 micrograms of vitamin D with some at risk groups being told to take supplements. 

The OHID are aiming to involve retailers, pharmacies and health organisations into the campaign to raise better national awareness.  

Dr Tazeem Bhatia, Interim Chief Nutritionist at OHID, said: “I welcome this call for evidence as part of OHID’s continued drive to improve health outcomes and tackle health disparities. We want to improve the dietary health of the population and this includes supporting everyone to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels to support strong and healthy bones and muscles.” 

Pregnant women and new mothers are eligible to receive free supplements which contain folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin D as part of the Healthy Start scheme. Children aged below four are also eligible for free supplements but take-up of this is currently very low.  

Jan/Feb

NHE January/February 2024

Boosting NHS productivity demands a healthy dose of realism

Dive into our latest edition for January/February!

Videos...

View all videos
Online Conference

Presenting

2024 Online Conferences

In partnership with our community of health sector leaders responsible for delivering the UK's health strategy across the NHS and the wider health sector, we’ve devised a collaborative calendar of conferences and events for industry leaders to listen, learn and collaborate through engaging and immersive conversation. 

All our conferences are CPD accredited, which means you can gain points to advance your career by attending our online conferences. Also, the contents are available on demand so you can re-watch at your convenience.

National Health Executive Podcast

Ep 41. The truth about drones in the NHS

In episode 41 of the National Health Executive podcast, we were joined by Dr Angela Smith, research fellow at Bournemouth University, and Andy Oakey, research fellow at the University of Southampton, to discuss the viability of drones within the NHS transport system.

More articles...

View all