The UK government has asked a group of experts to review current official dietary advice regarding vitamin D supplementation. The government also intends to write to all GPs to remind them that they should be advising all people in at-risk groups to take vitamin D supplements.
A survey last year that found over a quarter of children under five in the UK have insufficient vitamin D levels, and are at risk of bone problems.
Pulse reports:
“Current Department of Health guidelines say all patients under five years, over 65 years and those who are pregnant, breast-feeding or are not exposed the sun, should be advised to take vitamin D supplements ... A recent Cochrane review looking at ... vitamin D supplementation found the supplement alone is unlikely to prevent fractures”.