Vitamin D deficiency: do we all need to take supplements?

Last week, the UK's independent Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) announced a draft recommendation that British people should take a daily 10 microgram dietary supplement of Vitamin D.

If adopted, this recommendation would mark a dramatic change in health advice, as the government currently recommends that only certain groups take the supplements.

What are the health benefits of Vitamin D?

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Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from foods and other supplements, so it is important for healthy bones and strong teeth. It is vital in growth and development, especially in pregnant women and young children.

It also plays a role in important biochemical processes in the body. There is growing evidence connecting a lack of Vitamin D to a number of diseases from musculoskeletal problems to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Why are we suddenly being advised to take supplements?

The natural way to boost Vitamin D levels is to spend time in the sunshine, but experts say that Britain is not sunny enough to provide sufficient levels. Also, the public is spending less time outdoors due to entertainments such as satellite television and computer games as well as concerns over skin cancer.

More than one in five people have low levels of vitamin D, according to recent data published by Public Health England.

Many experts support the new advice. "SACN was right to say that we can't rely on sunshine in the UK to meet the Vitamin D requirements," Dr Adrian Martineau, an expert on Vitamin D at Barts, told The Guardian. "That's a major and important change. It's a big step forward that this is now officially recognised."

What is current government advice?

The government recommends that only pregnant women, children up to the age of five, those over 65 and people with darker skin as well as those who do not, for whatever reason, expose their skin to sunlight on regular basis, should take regular Vitamin D supplements.

Are there ways to get Vitamin D without buying tablets?

There are many ways to get more Vitamin D such as increasing one's exposure to the UVB rays in sunlight and by eating certain foods, including oily fish such as salmon, fortified margarines, breakfast cereals, red meat, egg yolk and cheese.

Some experts say natural methods are sufficient for a healthy daily dose. Dr A. Marc Gillinov, a heart surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, says: "Most healthy adults do not need to take Vitamin D supplements. Get your Vitamin D the old fashioned way."