Many people in England who are considered at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency may not be getting enough of the nutrient at any time of year, according to new research. The findings challenge the widely held belief that spending time in the summer sun is enough to restore healthy vitamin D levels.
Researchers from Newcastle University's Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre analyzed vitamin D levels in nearly 300 people living across northern Britain. Their results suggest that a significant number of people could have low vitamin D year-round without realizing it, potentially affecting bone health, overall well-being, and long-term health outcomes.
The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on adults aged 65 and older as well as people from minoritized ethnic backgrounds of all ages. Funding was provided by Better You Ltd, a UK-based health and wellness company that manufactures and sells nutritional supplements.
Vitamin D Deficiency Remains High Throughout the Year
The researchers found that vitamin D insufficiency was common in both groups studied. More than half of the older adults had insufficient vitamin D levels, while the proportion was even higher among participants from minoritized ethnic backgrounds.
