According to The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) up to 25% of children in the UK are not getting enough vitamin D leading to an increase in rickets. So why do we need vitamin D? It helps our bodies to absorb calcium and phosphate and is found in mushrooms, fish, egg and alfalfa. It can also be synthesized in our bodies from cholesterol in the presence of sunshine.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is also considering fortifying more food and drinks in a bid to reduce deficiency. In England vouchers are given to at-risk-groups: pregnant and breast feeding women, children from 6 months to 5 years and the over 65s. These vouchers can be used to buy supplements.