Officials say the study began after data showed that about one in six adults in the UK has low levels of vitamin D, a deficiency that can lead to conditions such as rickets, disabilities and bone pain. Greater use of supplements will also be considered, with Javid inviting specialists and patient groups to provide data. Nearly 20% of children in the UK have lower levels of vitamin D than government recommendations. Health officials said the elderly, the homeless and people from the black and South Asian communities were also more likely to have lower levels. The new call for evidence is published by the Office for Health Improvement and Inequality (OHID) and comes ahead of broader proposals to close health inequalities that will be published later this year. Formal advice states that all adults and children should consider taking a 10 microgram daily vitamin D supplement during the darker months of October and March. Other risk groups are advised to consider taking a supplement throughout the year. “We have to break the relationship between history and the prospects for a healthy life. “I am determined to improve the nation’s health and address inequalities,” Javid said. “People from black and Asian communities, the elderly and people with limited access to the countryside are more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D, which is essential for bone and muscle health and improving years of healthy living. “I’ve started this call for evidence to find innovative ways we can encourage people to increase their vitamin D intake and help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.” The study comes after the government chose not to repeat a program that distributes free vitamin D supplements to vulnerable people last winter. Over the past year, nearly three million clinically vulnerable individuals have been offered a free four-month supplement program. The clinicians were concerned that the team had devoted so much time to filling their interior that they may be deficient in vitamin A, which is largely provided by sunlight. Some groups and MPs have suggested that vitamin D could play a role in fighting Covid, as it may play a role in the immune response. However, the data are mixed. A review of recent trials has shown that there was “no clear, consistent benefit” from the supplement in combating upper respiratory tract infections. Another who examined health workers suggested that it could reduce infection and morbidity.
