RESIDENTS of Worcestershire are being advised to top up their vitamin D levels by taking supplements if they feel they may be deficient in the vital element.

The guidance follows a new recommendation by Public Health England (PHE) following a report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutritian.

Vitamin D is fundamental to the protection of bones and muscles – it is essential for the absorption of calcium and the prevention of rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

It is made naturally in the skin through exposure to sunlight and this is the main source of the vitamin for most people.

PHE says that in spring and summer, most people in the UK get enough vitamin D through sunlight on their skin and a healthy balanced diet. Good food sources for vitamin D oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel; red meat; liver; egg yolks and fortified foods such as most fat spreads and some breakfast cereals.

However, during autumn and winter most people rely on dietary sources of vitamin D and, as it is difficult for people to get enough from their daily food consumption, supplements are recommended. The recommended daily dosage is 10 micrograms a day.

People whose skin has little or no exposure to the sun, like those in institutions such as care homes, or who always cover their skin when outside, risk vitamin D deficiency and need to take a supplement throughout the year.

Ethnic minority groups with dark skin, from African, Afro-Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds, may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight in the summer and therefore should consider taking a supplement all year round.

Councillor John Smith, chairman of Worcestershire County Council Health and Well-being Board, said: "The new report shows that we should all consider vitamin D supplements, especially for pregnant women and children.

“It is one of many ways to make sure that children get the best start in life, and I would encourage anyone who feels they may not be getting enough vitamin D to follow the advice of Public Health England and consider supplements."

Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at PHE, said: “A healthy, balanced diet and short bursts of sunshine will mean most people get all the vitamin D they need in spring and summer.

“However, everyone will need to consider taking a supplement in the autumn and winter if you don’t eat enough foods that naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with it.

“And those who don’t get out in the sun or always cover their skin when they do, should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year.”

Vitamin D supplements are available free-of-charge for low-income families on the Healthy Start scheme.

• PHE recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed until around six months of age. As a precaution, all babies under one year should have a daily 8.5-10 microgram vitamin D supplement to ensure they get enough. Children who have more than 500ml of infant formula a day do not need any additional vitamin D as formula is already fortified.