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25% of children in the UK are vitamin D deficient
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health say that around 25% of children in the UK suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which is the cause of rickets. In addition, vitamin D deficiency in the body is dangerous because it increases the risk of tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Research conducted in January this year has doctors very worried because cases of rickets among the youngest residents of Great Britain have become more frequent.
Mitch Blair, a professor at King's College and lead author of the study, calls for a collective response to the problem. He suggests increasing healthcare workers' knowledge of easily accessible and affordable sources of vitamin D, and educating the public about the need to eat foods containing the vitamin.
According to research by experts, the majority of the country's multinational population suffers from a lack of vitamin D in the body.
Current research by experts suggests that vitamin D deficiency is a critical problem among children, adolescents and pregnant women. Experts note a fourfold increase in the incidence of rickets. The last time the greatest prevalence of this disease was observed in Great Britain in the 19th century.
Earlier this year, the UK's chief medical officer suggested that all pregnant and breastfeeding women, people over 65 and children aged six months to five years should take vitamin D supplements.
The government's Healthy Start program provides free vitamins to low-income families and those at risk. However, these vitamin supplements are in short supply and their consumption is low. Experts also note the need for health workers to be able to accurately identify vitamin D deficiency in children. Signs of its deficiency in the body include bone and muscle pain, weakness and cramps.
“We know that vitamin D deficiency is a growing problem. Our research confirms this and also shows astonishingly high levels of deficiency in certain groups of the population, including children. People are only getting a fraction of the vitamin D they need – just 10%. But this is a problem that can and should be addressed. You can get vitamin D from a healthy diet, and by going for walks in the fresh air, basking in the sun and getting vitamins at the same time. You can also take supplements. It’s not difficult to replenish your body with vitamins, particularly vitamin D,” comments Professor Blair.
Staff at King's College have launched a campaign to raise public awareness of the need for vitamin D, its availability, affordability and benefits.
Sources of vitamin D are animal products, especially fish: salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel and mackerel. Seafood, cod liver, pork and beef liver, cottage cheese, egg yolks, butter and cheese are also rich in this vitamin.