Hospital Admissions for Vitamin Deficiencies Surge in England

Rising poverty and unaffordable nutritious diets are linked to a dramatic increase in vitamin-related health issues, NHS data reveals.

Hospital admissions for iron deficiency anaemia reached nearly 192,000 in 2023/24, marking an 11% increase from the previous year and a tenfold rise since 1998/99.
Cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia have quadrupled over the past 25 years, with 3,490 hospital admissions recorded in 2023/24.
GPs report a significant rise in patients presenting with nutrition-related conditions, citing the cost of living crisis and the rising price of fresh, healthy foods as key factors.
Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies include fatigue, pale skin, heart palpitations, and, in severe cases, developmental issues in children or heart failure in adults.
The UK government has pledged to address the issue through its 10-year health plan, focusing on prevention and improving access to healthy diets.