PROBE INTO ADDING VITAMIN D TO FOOD

THE Health Secretary has hinted that vitamin D could be added to food and drink in the same way fluoride is to water.

Sajid Javid has been so alarmed by figures surrounding the vitamin that he has ordered a review into how people can get more of it.

One in six adults and 20% of children are thought to be deficient in the vital vitamin, which is naturally produced by sunlight and helps bones and muscles stay healthy.

The elderly, housebound and people from black and Asian communities are more likely to have low levels of vitamin

D – especially during the winter months.

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 lives.”

Canada, Sweden, Finland, Australia and the US already add vitamin D to milk, bread, margarine and

cooking oils.