DAILY vitamin D supplements should be taken by everyone in autumn and winter, health chiefs will recommend today.
Health chiefs are to recommend everyone take vitamin D supplements during winter or autumn
A review found all of us require the equivalent of at least 10mcg each day but millions could be missing out.
Vitamin D is made in the skin by sunlight which is the main source during spring and summer.
Scientists have been unable to say how much is made through exposure to the sun so have recommended taking pills for the rest of the year.
Dr Ian Campbell criticised the recommendation
Yet a reliance on supplements to boost the body's natural defences prompted one leading doctor to describe Public Health England (PHE) advice as a "terrible indictment" of modern lifestyles.
Dr Ian Campbell, a family GP from Nottingham, said: "Vitamin D deficiency is very common often leading to excessive tiredness, muscle ache and numbness and making us more vulnerable to osteoporosis.
For the vast majority of people all that is required is a healthy diet with oily fish at least twice a week and regular exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D is created by the body in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight
"It's a terrible indictment of the way we live that PHE think the majority of us can't do this and should take supplements.
"Other than those in residential care and those who have to keep covered up for health or cultural reasons the answer must surely lie not in more medication but a healthier, more active lifestyle.
"However, there is good reason for advising Vitamin D supplements for pregnant women and young children."
Vitamin D - commonly known as the "sunshine vitamin" - is found naturally in oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks and some fortified foods like breakfast cereals and fat spreads.
It regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate needed for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Experts say it is difficult for millions of us to meet the recommended daily target through food alone, so urged people consider taking a supplement.
PHE said vulnerable groups, like those whose skin has little or no exposure to the sun and those living in care homes, risk deficiency and should consider taking a supplement throughout the year.
Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at Public Health England, said: "A healthy, balanced diet and short bursts of sunshine will mean most people get all the vitamin D they need in spring and summer.
GETTY
"However, everyone will need to consider taking a supplement in the autumn and winter if you don't eat enough foods that naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with it.
"And those who don't get out in the sun or always cover their skin when they do, should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year."
The advice is based on recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition following a review of the evidence on vitamin D and health.
GETTY
Latest data shows 23 per cent of those aged between 19 and 64 years, 21 per cent aged 65 and above and 22 per cent of those aged between 11 and 18 years have low levels of vitamin D in their blood putting them at greater risk of developing a deficiency.
Health chiefs say children aged one to four should be given a daily 10 mcg supplement while all babies under one year old should have a daily 8.5-10 mcg supplement.
Children who have more than 500ml of infant formula a day do not need any additional vitamin D as it is already fortified.
GETTY“We want to ensure that the nation’s bones are as strong as they can be so we’re calling on the government to support us in finding the right solution for people so that everyone has an adequate amount of vitamin D.”
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/691526/Health-take-vitamin-D-supplements-autumn-winter-sunshine-tiredness-muscle-ache
