Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin and is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles
13:18, 29 Jan 2026Updated 14:57, 29 Jan 2026
Getting outside in the British weather isn’t always easy(Image: Getty)
Food and nutrition experts have issued a fresh vitamin D warning after findings of a new study. Known as the sunshine vitamin because it is mainly sourced from sunlight, it is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
But the long and often miserable autumn and winter months mean one in five people are deficient. The issue led to the government issuing recommendations that everyone should take a daily supplement between October and March to boost their levels.
Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton and researcher and nutritionist Dr Pam Mason from HSIS (the Health and Food Supplements Information Service) say, despite the NHS advice, most people are failing to follow the guidelines. A new survey by the organisation quizzed more than 1,000 Brits on their knowledge and understanding of vitamin D.
It found just 26% of people followed the NHS advice. Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton from HSIS says: “With growing evidence linking Vitamin D to immunity, bone health and mood regulation, we need to continue to encourage people to view supplementation as a core part of their everyday health routines.”
A daily supplement is recommended by the government(Image: Getty)
Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” due to sun exposure being the primary way the body can access vitamin D, it’s perhaps unsurprising that levels in the UK remain low for many – thanks, at least in part, to the Great British weather. HSIS Nutrition Researcher, Dr Pam Mason, says: “The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) shows that across the population, a significant proportion of adults and children have blood levels below the recommended threshold, particularly in winter months.
“This makes vitamin D supplementation and mindful dietary choices especially important for self-care.” She said research had backed up the need for the vitamin and listed examples:
Regarding immunity and respiratory infections, the UK BioBank study found that people who took vitamin D supplements were less likely to test positive for CovidA systematic review and meta-analysis in the journal Nutrition Reviews reported that vitamin D supplementation may protect bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hipWhile another meta-analysis in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that Vitamin D alleviated depressive symptoms in subjects with depression
Dr Ruxton added: “Considering how hard it is to get enough vitamin D from sunlight and food, especially in the UK, and the latest research confirming its key health-promoting properties, it’s surprising – and problematic – that only a quarter of us take a vitamin D supplement.”
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin(Image: Getty)
Dr Mason agreed saying: “As many as 59% of those surveyed may think they get enough vitamin D in their diet, but the official data still gives us cause for concern. Vitamin D status has dropped since 2008.
“Overall, one in five Brits is deficient, with a much more serious nutrient gap in some groups. Despite advice from the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to take supplementary vitamin D, two in five (39%) girls and 15% of boys aged 11 to 18 are deficient. In working-age adults, 19% of women and 16% of men are deficient and 13% of over-65s also fall short of the level needed to maintain good health.”
With UK Public Health guidance recommending a daily supplement of 10 micrograms during autumn and winter, awareness and education are key. With this in mind, the experts shared their top self-care tips for maintaining vitamin D levels this winter:
“Take a daily multivitamin and multimineral supplement: always follow the government’s recommendation to take a 10-microgram daily vitamin D supplement – especially during autumn and winter.“Incorporate vitamin D-rich foods: include oily fish, eggs, and vitamin-D fortified cereals and dairy alternatives in your diet.“Get safe sun exposure: 15-20 minutes of sunlight on the skin in spring and summer is a good way to boost your body’s vitamin D production.“Combine with other self-care practices: Pair vitamin D intake with regular movement – especially outside – and ensure balanced nutrition and quality sleep.”
Dr Ruxton added: “Self-care is about empowering people to take simple, sustainable steps that support long-term health. Taking a vitamin D supplement is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to do just that.”