Vitamin D could soon be added to our food and drink following alarming deficiency figures.
It comes as UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid raised an alarm over the lack of the essential vitamin in the diets of adults and children alike throughout the UK.
The shocking figures show that one in six adults and 20 per cent of children are now deficient in the vital vitamin.
A review has now been launched by the UK Government in a bid to find ways people can get more Vitamin D, reports The Mirror.
The vitamin is naturally provided by sunlight as well as being present in a number of foods and drinks.
However, during the months of October to April, Scots fail to get enough sunlight to provide and efficient amount of Vitamin D.
The figures also revealed that older people, the housebound and people from Black and South Asian communities are more likely to suffer with deficiency.
Mr Javid said: “Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health.
“I have launched this call for evidence to identify innovative ways we can encourage people to increase their intake and live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
That could include adding Vitamin D to milk, bread, margarine and cooking oils as is done in Canada, Sweden, Finland. Australia and the US.
Current medical advice recommends adults and children take a daily 10 microgram pill between October and March.
Dr Tazeem Bhatia of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said: “We want to improve the dietary health of the population.”
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
-
Catching illnesses or infections
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Hair loss
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Lower back pain
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Wounds that heal slowly following surgery, infection or injury.
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