Children need more vitamin D

Government guidelines recommend some groups, including the under-fives, should take a daily supplement.

But recent research found that many parents and health professionals were unaware of the advice.

Dame Sally said: ‘It is important to raise awareness of this issue, and I will be contacting health professionals on the need to prescribe and recommend vitamin D supplements to at-risk groups.’

Vitamin D supplements are recommended for all people at risk of a deficiency, including all pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five years old, people aged over 65, and people at risk of not getting enough exposure to sunlight.

The Department of Health has asked the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition to review the issue of current dietary recommendations on vitamin D.

Dame Sally said: ‘We know a significant proportion of people in the UK probably have inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood.

‘People at risk of vitamin D deficiency, including pregnant women and children under five, are already advised to take daily supplements.

‘Our experts are clear - low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of poor bone health, including rickets in young children.

‘Many health professionals such as midwives, GPs and nurses give advice on supplements, and it is crucial they continue to offer this advice as part of routine consultations.’