Warning over drop in levels of Vitamin D

Hundreds of people are being admitted to hospital with Vitamin D deficiency at the City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The vitamin helps people keep healthy bones, muscles and teeth, according to the NHS.

Vitamin D deficiency cases at the trust have soared in the last three years, with 740 diagnoses in the 12 months to March 2018.

This was one of the highest numbers seen by any trust in England.

During the same period in 2015-16, there were just 185 cases. Public Health England has encouraged people to consider taking a Vitamin D supplement during the winter months, after a surge in diagnoses at hospitals across England.

Over the last three years, cases have increased by 84%, climbing from 54,850 in 201516 to 101,140 in 2017-18.

Vitamin D helps the body to regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are needed to maintain healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

Sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D, but a small amount can be obtained through dietary sources.

Professor Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at PHE, said: “Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and most of us get enough from sunshine and a healthy balanced diet during summer and spring.

“During autumn and winter, those not consuming foods naturally containing or fortified with Vitamin D should consider a 10 microgram supplement.”