Nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 19–64 (18%) and almost a quarter of children aged 11–18 (23%) in the UK are estimated to be vitamin D deficient, according to the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey.
Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because the body can make it through the action of the sun on the skin. In the UK, however, the sun is only strong enough for this to happen between April and September, meaning levels can fall sharply during the darker months. Deficiency rates rise to 31% among adults and 36% among children aged 11–18 between January and March. People with darker skin tones, those who cover up, or individuals who spend more time indoors face higher risks.
The nutrient plays a key role in supporting bone and muscle health, as well as the immune system, and the findings have highlighted the need for greater awareness of it, particularly outside the sunnier months.
To meet the recommended vitamin D intake, government advice is to choose vitamin D-rich foods, spend time outdoors safely in the sun, and take vitamin D supplements in the autumn and winter, with some groups advised to take supplements all year round. The NHS recommends that adults and children over the age of one generally need 10 µg of vitamin D a day, especially during the autumn and winter months.
Public health bodies continue to emphasise safe sun exposure during summer alongside dietary sources and supplements where needed. Voluntary fortification of everyday foods such as breakfast cereals forms one part of a broader strategy to address population-level gaps without requiring major changes to eating habits.
How to get more vitamin D in your diet
As few foods are naturally good sources of vitamin D, an all-year-round boost can come from fortified options. Sources of vitamin D include
- Oily fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel), which provide some of the highest natural amounts
- Eggs
- Mushrooms (if labelled as containing vitamin D)
- Fortified fat spreads
- Fortified breakfast cereals, such as Weetabix
Food fortification is the process of adding vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin D or iron, to everyday foods to improve their nutritional value and help prevent deficiencies in the population. Modern diets can vary, and some nutrients are lost during food processing, meaning people do not always get enough of certain nutrients from their normal diet. Certain groups, such as children, pregnant women, or older adults, may need more of specific vitamins or minerals. Fortifying foods is safe and helps ensure more people get the nutrients they need without having to change their eating habits.
How Weetabix contributes to daily vitamin D needs
Weetabix cereals are fortified with vitamin D to help consumers work towards their daily goal. A 2-biscuit serving provides 50% (2.5 µg) of the daily recommended amount of vitamin D, or 138% per 100 g. The fortification extends beyond original Weetabix to the wider range, including Weetabix Minis, Banana, Protein, Oatibix, and Ready Brek.
To further boost intake, consumers can top their Weetabix with a poached egg or use fortified dairy or plant-based milks and yoghurts, which often have vitamin D added. Check the label to confirm.
For more information on how Weetabix supports daily vitamin D needs, along with breakfast recipes and ideas, visit Weetabix.