Overview
- An HSIS expert review published in Food and Nutrition Sciences reports UK dietary vitamin D intakes at roughly 19–29% of the Reference Nutrient Intake across children, adults and older adults.
- Cited blood-marker data indicate about one-fifth of the population has low vitamin D levels as daylight declines in winter.
- Health risks include muscle weakness and fragility fractures, with direct fracture care costs estimated at £1.8 billion in 2000, £3.3 billion by 2025 and £5.89 billion by 2030.
- NHS advice is to take 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily from October to March, alongside brief midday sun exposure and increased intake of vitamin D–rich or fortified foods.
- The review also highlights wider nutrient gaps in calcium, iron, folate, iodine, selenium and potassium, low oily fish and omega‑3 intake, and higher risk for older adults, people with darker skin, night‑shift workers, vegans and certain clinical groups.