Health

NHS Warns Millions in the UK are Missing This Vital Vitamin without Realising

Published on June 24, 2025

Vitamin D, that all-important sunshine vitamin, is essential for strong bones, healthy muscles and a robust immune system—but the NHS tells us that around 1 in 6 adults in the UK have levels so low it could cause rickets or bone pain. Most of our intake comes from spring and summer sunshine, since very few foods naturally contain it . Yet only one in six adults actually takes the NHS’s recommended 10 μg daily supplement between October and March.

Low vitamin D can show up in unexpected ways, especially on the skin and in your legs. If you’re blaming a bit of dryness or an itch on winter air, you might want to think again: scratchy, flaky skin can be one of the first clues. The chronic dryness may exacerbate or even trigger eczema or psoriasis flare-ups, since vitamin D supports skin moisture and helps fight inflammation, reported the Mirror.

On top of that, wounds that refuse to heal properly could be another hidden sign. Vitamin D is key to regenerating skin cells, and when levels are too low, cuts, grazes or sores can linger or become infected more easily . As Chemist 4 U points out, if you have a wound that won’t heal, it could be due to vitamin D—or it might be poorer circulation, diabetes or an infection, so best get it checked.

Muscle weakness, persistent bone ache (especially in your legs or shins) or struggling with simple tasks like climbing stairs can also point to deficiency. Yale Medicine echoes that severe lack of vitamin D can impair calcium absorption, raising the risk of bone pain, fractures or even falls in older adults .

A less obvious—and rarely discussed—symptom is excessive sweating, particularly on the head. Dr Stephanie Barrett has noted this as a “classic first sign” of vitamin D deficiency, often showing up out of proportion to temperatures or exertion levels.

In some studies, low vitamin D has even been linked to mood dips, seasonal affective disorder and slower immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections or shared colds . It’s no wonder that NHS guidance recommends considering supplements between October and March—and that those in high‑risk groups (like older adults, deeply pigmented skin or limited outdoor time) should take them all year round .

It’s also worth noting a potential link between deficiency and more severe eczema in children. Some research suggests that low vitamin D may worsen flare‑ups, and a handful of studies have seen improvements in skin conditions when supplements were introduced, though evidence isn’t yet conclusive .

What can you do? First, look out for dry or itchy skin that doesn’t respond to moisturiser, wounds taking too long to heal, odd head sweating or unexplained muscle or bone aches. If these ring a bell, don’t brush them off—ask your GP or get a simple blood test to check your vitamin D level, according to NHS.UK .

Meanwhile, across autumn and winter, it’s wise for all of us to take a daily supplement of 10 μg (400 IU). Eat what you can—like oily fish, eggs or fortified foods—but in the UK sun isn’t strong enough for natural production during darker months.

If you’re in a higher‑risk group or have known low levels, talk about a year‑round dose with your GP—some may need up to 20–50 μg daily for maintenance, especially once deficiency has been corrected.

Spotting these subtle signals early can make a real difference—not just for your bones, but for skin, energy, mood and general well‑being. Don’t wait until aches or flares strike; a quick check and a few supplements could keep you feeling brighter all year round.

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