Sajid Javid could order vitamin D added to food like fluoride in water

The Health Secretary is so alarmed by figures showing that one in six adults and 20% of children are now deficient in the essential vitamin that he has ordered a review of how people can get more of it.

Sajid Javid could mandate that vitamin D be added to food and drink the same way fluoride is added to water.

The Health Secretary is so alarmed by figures showing that one in six adults and 20% of children are now deficient in the essential vitamin that he has ordered a review of how people can get more of it.

Although naturally produced by sunlight, low levels in winter can lead to rickets, bone pain and disability

Elderly people, domestic workers, and people from Black and South Asian communities are more likely to suffer.

Mr Javid said: “Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health.

“I launched this call for evidence to find innovative ways we can encourage people to increase their intake and live longer, healthier, and happier lives.”

This could include adding vitamin D to milk, bread, margarine and cooking oils, as practiced in Canada, Sweden and Finland. Australia and the USA.

Current medical advice recommends that adults and children take one 10 microgram pill daily between October and March.

dr Tazeem Bhatia of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said: “We want to improve the nutritional health of the population.”