It’s often called the sunshine vitamin because unlike other nutrients, vitamin D is not provided by food but made when our skin is exposed to the sun.
But, given the summer we’ve had added to the classic British weather we face year round of dull, more dull with hints of dull, Brits are dangerously deficient in this crucial vitamin.
In fact, it’s estimated that a staggering one in five adults and one in six children do not have adequate levels of vitamin D.
‘Not only have we got the British weather to deal with but we’re living an increasingly indoor life,’ says nutritionist Kim Pearson.
‘Children no longer play outside like they used to, opting for iPads and games indoors and so many of us work inside all day, so we’re seeing a rising problem of vitamin D deficiency.’
Those at risk, she explains, include anyone with darker skin types, as the darker your skin, the harder you will find it to synthesise vitamin D.