Do People in the UK Have a Vitamin D Deficiency?

December 30, 2025 •

2 min read

According to official government reports and health surveys, a significant portion of the UK population has insufficient vitamin D levels, especially during the autumn and winter months. Factors like geographical location, diet, and lifestyle contribute to the widespread issue of vitamin D deficiency in the UK.

Quick Summary

Low vitamin D levels are common in the UK, particularly during winter due to insufficient sunlight. Prevalence is higher in older adults, ethnic minority groups, and those with limited sun exposure. Lifestyle changes, diet, and supplements are used to address this public health concern.

Key Points

Prevalence is High: A significant portion of the UK population has low vitamin D, especially during winter and spring, affecting about 1 in 5 adults and children.
Northern Latitude is Key: The UK's geographical location means that from October to March, the sun is too weak for the skin to produce adequate vitamin D.
At-Risk Groups Need Year-Round Support: People with darker skin, the elderly, housebound individuals, and young children are at higher risk and need year-round supplementation.
Supplementation is Recommended: The NHS advises everyone to consider a daily 10 microgram supplement during autumn and winter, as diet alone is often insufficient.
Health Impacts are Significant: Chronic deficiency can cause serious health issues, including bone pain (osteomalacia in adults), muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, rickets in children.
Symptoms Can Be Subtle: Many people with low vitamin D experience no symptoms, or vague issues like fatigue and low mood, making the problem easy to overlook.

The Widespread Problem of Vitamin D Insufficiency

Statistics from the UK's National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) and other reports consistently reveal that a large percentage of the population has suboptimal vitamin D status. Factors such as the UK's northern latitude mean that from October to early March, the sun's angle is too low for the skin to synthesise sufficient vitamin D. Relying solely on diet is often inadequate, as few foods are naturally rich in this nutrient.

Seasonal and Population-Specific Deficiency

The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency varies significantly with the seasons. Data from the NDNS indicates higher deficiency in adults aged 65+ and children. The issue is particularly acute among minority ethnic groups with darker skin due to melanin reducing vitamin D production from sunlight.

Other at-risk groups include:

The housebound: Individuals confined indoors for long periods.
Those who cover their skin: People wearing extensive clothing for cultural or religious reasons.
Infants and young children: Breastfed babies and children under five often require year-round supplementation.
Individuals with certain health conditions: Malabsorption disorders, liver, or kidney diseases.
People with obesity: Body fat can reduce vitamin D availability.

Symptoms and Health Implications

Many experience no obvious symptoms or vague signs. Prolonged low levels affect bone and muscle health. Severe deficiency causes rickets in children (soft bones) and osteomalacia in adults (bone pain, muscle weakness). Fatigue, lower back pain, and increased infections are also reported. A comparison of deficiency symptoms reveals the potential seriousness of untreated low vitamin D.


Symptom	Description	Primary Impact
Fatigue	Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.	Overall wellbeing.
Bone Pain	Chronic, aching pain in bones and joints.	Musculoskeletal health.
Muscle Weakness	Generalised muscle aches and weakness.	Mobility.
Depression	Low mood and mood changes.	Mental health.
Rickets	Bone deformities in children.	Child development.
Osteomalacia	Softening of bones in adults.	Skeletal integrity.

How to Prevent and Treat Deficiency

The NHS provides clear guidance. Sunlight is the primary source in spring/summer, but often insufficient, especially in winter.

Dietary Sources: Oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified foods are sources, but amounts can be limited.
Supplementation: NHS advises a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) supplement for most over four during autumn and winter. High-risk groups need year-round supplementation.
Safe Sun Exposure: Short, regular sun exposure without sunscreen in spring/summer helps. Avoid sunburn.

The Importance of Public Health Initiatives

Initiatives like the Healthy Start scheme provide free supplements to eligible groups. Raising public awareness and potentially wider food fortification are crucial. A national review was launched to address disparities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK, particularly in winter. It affects various groups, including ethnic minorities, the elderly, and those with limited sun exposure. Following NHS advice on diet, sun exposure, and supplementation is key to preventing associated health risks. Consult a healthcare professional if concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

A lack of vitamin D is very common in the UK, affecting around one in five adults and one in five children. This prevalence increases during the autumn and winter months.

The UK's northern latitude means there is insufficient strong sunlight for the skin to produce vitamin D naturally between October and March. Reliance on limited dietary sources during these months contributes significantly to the issue.

Symptoms can include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, and low mood. In severe cases, it can cause osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.

High-risk groups include those with darker skin, the elderly (aged 65+), people with limited sun exposure (e.g., housebound), pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under five.

The NHS recommends that everyone considers taking a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) supplement during autumn and winter. High-risk groups, including young children and people with darker skin, are advised to supplement all year round.

It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone in the UK. While some foods like oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals contain vitamin D, the amounts are often small.

Yes, taking too many supplements over a long period can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia), which can damage the heart and kidneys. It is not possible to overdose from sunlight exposure.