The Chief Medical Officer for England has been reported to be contacting healthcare professionals about vitamin D deficiency after recent research found that many healthcare professionals were unaware of current recommendations. According to NHS choices, several newspapers and other news outlets carried this story (BBC).
Current advice (PDF) highlights which groups are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, sources of vitamin D in the diet as well as from skin exposure to sunlight and recommends daily intake levels of vitamin D in those at risk of deficiency.
It also describes access to supplements, via Healthy Start if eligible or the alternatives depending on local arrangements if individuals are not eligible. Healthy Start Vitamins are allowed on NHS prescription.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of these recent reports and current recommendations.