A researcher and biologist has sounded the alarm over the lack of a crucial vitamin amongst Britons, advocating for routine supplementation. Jane Wragg insists that people in nations such as the UK must ensure ample intake of this nutrient due to its extensive health benefits, voicing concern that one in five individuals fall short.
Given the dire shortfall felt particularly during wintery spells, where natural synthesis proves inadequate, she stressed: “Vitamin D is essential for good overall health. So much so that in the UK, the government recommends that everyone from October through to March take a vitamin D supplement containing at least 10 micrograms, every day.”
Jane, who heads up ADACT Medical – a leading analyst in health compliance and research, further highlighted the dilemma of dietary insufficiency, noting: “In northern countries like the UK, sunlight doesn’t generate enough vitamin D in the skin throughout the year. While some foods can offer vitamin D, the scope of foods is so slim that much of the population simply won’t meet their daily target through diet alone.”
Jane expressed concern over the “worrying” statistic that one in five people in Britain have low blood levels of vitamin D. She highlighted the prevalence of deficiency across different age groups, pointing out that 39% of teenage girls and 15% of teenage boys are deficient, as are 19% of working-age women, 16% of men, and 13% of over-65s.
How vitamin D boosts health
Focusing on the benefits of vitamin D, Jane elaborated: “But, while vitamin D is commonly known for healthy bones, muscles and for a healthy immune function, research has also found that vitamin D can help support our cardiovascular and metabolic health.”
Jane cited a recent American study that revealed how moderate doses of vitamin D, such as the recommended US daily dose of 15 micrograms, can reduce blood pressure in obese and older individuals without additional benefits at higher doses — underlining the significance of preventing vitamin D deficiency for cardiovascular health.
Explaining the science, she added: “Essentially, vitamin D receptors are present in vascular (blood vessel) tissues, including the myocardium (heart muscle) and vascular smooth muscle. Vitamin D also affects calcium influx, muscle relaxation, and diastolic function; it can affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays an important role in regulating blood pressure; and vitamin D helps regulate blood vessel function too.”
Foods that boost vitamin D
Jane emphasised the importance of Vitamin D, advising: “Getting enough vitamin D is absolutely vital. Alongside a supplement during the autumn and winter months, enjoy vitamin D-rich foods, including oily fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel, egg yolks and fortified spreads and breakfast cereal. Fortified mushrooms can also offer vitamin D.
“From about late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight. But, if you don’t often go outdoors, if you usually cover your skin when outside or if you have dark skin, you may also not make enough vitamin D from sunlight and you will likely benefit from taking a supplement throughout the entire year.”
Vitamin D supplements are readily available and affordable, with prices around 2.5p per tablet at supermarkets.
