A new study suggests that Gen Z in the UK are now twice as likely to have a vitamin D deficiency as their grandparents.

The results of the study of more than 4,000 people have been published as the hours of sunlight continue to reduce and darker nights draw in across the UK, with clocks set to go back an hour on Sunday 30 October at 2am.

The UK Essential Health Check Report 2022* used anonymized blood analysis from 4,241 people across the UK to explore the impact of various factors, including age and gender, on a variety of health markers including levels of vitamin D, B12 and folate.

Despite scientific evidence that the body is less able to assimilate vitamins as we age, this investigation found that 42% of Brits in their 20s have a vitamin D deficiency. What made this figure even more startling was that only 21% of participants in their 60s were found to have a deficiency, and this rate was even lower for those in their 70s (12%).

While diet choice and nutrition contribute to vitamin D levels in the body, most people (at least from March to September) are able to produce enough vitamin D through exposure to direct sunlight outdoors. However, with the rise of remote working it’s possible that younger people are now spending less time outside than ever before.

Commenting on the results of this study, Scientific Director at YorkTest, Dr Gill Hart, said:

“The data from this study is really interesting. We have known for a long time that the body is less able to assimilate certain vitamins from food as we age.

“However, what this study appears to show is the opposite – with older people having the highest levels of vitamin D and a large percentage of those in their 20s with a deficiency. Of course, we know that the science isn’t wrong about the aging process, so something else might be contributing to so many young people having deficiencies in key vitamins.

“It’s possible that changes to lifestyle habits such as remote working has led more younger people to spend significant amounts of time indoors. As a result, they’re not reaping the benefits of going outside as you might get on a commute to and from work. As we head into winter it’s critical that everyone – regardless of age – continues to head outdoors as much as possible.”

Having enough vitamin D in the body is critical and has been linked to a range of health benefits and providing core functions of the body including the prevention of depression and anxiety, bone loss, heart disease and hair loss. So, in the autumn and winter months it’s an important consideration to ensure levels don’t drop off.

Dr Hart, adds:
“We know it’s not always possible to spend too much time outside in direct sunlight in the winter – particularly if you work in an indoor environment or have limited mobility. While it may sound like a cliche, getting outside during your lunch or breaks throughout the day really does have its benefits both physically and mentally. However, if you are struggling, there are other ways to boost your vitamin D levels and should be considered.

“Supplementation is recommended to boost vitamin D levels, however wise nutritional choices can also help. The foods listed below are some of the highest in vitamin D and should in any case form a staple part of your diet.

Cod Liver Oil – 1,360 IU (1 tablespoon)
Trout – 645 IU (approx 35g)
Salmon – 526 IU (approx 100g)
Mushrooms – 130-450 IU (per 100g treated with UV light)
Cow’s Milk – 120 IU (237ml, vitamin D fortified)
Almond, Soy, & Oat Milks – 100-144 IU (237ml, vitamin D fortified)
Sardines – 46 IU (2 sardines)
Eggs – 37 IU (1 egg yolk)
Beef Liver – 42 IU (approx 85g)
Tinned tuna – 268 IU (approx 100g)
Cheese – 17 IU (approx 43g, cheddar)

“With vitamin D deficiency, many people don’t have any symptoms, others may suffer from fatigue, joint pain, low mood or hair loss. The only way that you will know whether you have vitamin D deficiency is to take a test”.

* YorkTest