UK residents have been advised to begin taking vitamin D supplements immediately as the country enters the autumn season, when natural production of this essential nutrient becomes severely limited.
Dr Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has issued a stark warning about the health risks associated with insufficient vitamin D levels during the darker months ahead.
The combination of shorter days and cloudier weather conditions means the human body cannot synthesise adequate amounts of vitamin D from sunlight exposure, creating a widespread deficiency risk across the British population.
According to Dr Grant, the lack of natural vitamin D production during autumn and winter poses significant health threats to the British public.
Insufficient vitamin D levels could leave individuals vulnerable to autoimmune disorders
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"Without this nutrient, people are more at risk of conditions such as rickets or osteoporosis—highlighting its importance," Dr Grant explained.
He added that vitamin D serves multiple critical functions beyond bone health, stating: "Additionally, the vitamin is also crucial for supporting the immune system, helping the body protect against infections or diseases."
The GP warned that insufficient levels could leave individuals vulnerable to autoimmune disorders and respiratory infections, making supplementation particularly urgent as daylight hours continue to decrease.
This essential nutrient facilitates calcium absorption, maintains muscular strength and bolsters immune defences, with insufficiencies potentially triggering severe health conditions.
Current estimates indicate that approximately one in six British adults fails to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, with elderly individuals facing heightened vulnerability.
"Aside from bone health and immune support, vitamin D is important for muscle function, and a deficiency could lead to muscle weakness," Dr Grant noted.
He stressed that this concern spans all age groups, adding: "This emphasises that people of all ages must adopt a healthy nutrient intake, as older individuals could be at an increased risk of falls."
Whilst certain foods contain vitamin D naturally, including fatty fish, red meat and egg yolks, dietary sources alone prove insufficient during Britain's darker seasons.
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Britons depend heavily on vitamin D supplementation during autumn and winter | GETTY
"As we approach the colder, less sunny months, supplements can be a great source of the vitamin," Dr Grant advised.
He recommended beginning supplementation promptly, stating: "Taking these supplements earlier in the year can combat the lack of sunlight, avoiding the risk of nutrient deficiencies throughout the colder period."
Dr Grant suggested selecting supplements providing more than the NHS-recommended 400 IU daily dose, though he cautioned that excessive consumption could lead to calcium accumulation, potentially causing kidney stones and other complications.