Clinical Report: Low Vitamin D Persists Year-Round in Northern Britain
Overview
A study found that over half of older patients and nearly three-quarters of ethnic patients in northern Britain had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, with little seasonal variation.
Background
Vitamin D insufficiency is a significant public health concern, particularly among older adults and ethnic minorities who may have limited sun exposure. Understanding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is crucial.
Data Highlights
| Group | Prevalence of Insufficiency/Deficiency | Mean Serum 25(OH)D Level (nmol/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Older Patients (≥65 years) | 55% | 50 |
| Ethnic Patients (≥18 years) | 72% | 40 |
Key Findings
- 55% of older patients had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L.
- 72% of ethnic patients had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L.
- Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency persisted across all seasons, with no significant decline during summer months.
- Among older patients, the prevalence of insufficiency during June through August was 56%.
- Ethnic patients maintained high rates of insufficiency throughout winter, spring, and summer.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware that vitamin D status may not improve in summer for high-risk groups, such as older adults and ethnic minorities. Regular screening and appropriate supplementation strategies may be necessary to address persistent vitamin D insufficiency in these populations.
Conclusion
The study reports high rates of vitamin D insufficiency among high-risk groups in northern Britain.
Related Resources & Content
- Goddard A., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2026 -- Circannual prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in older and minoritized ethnic adults in Northern Britain: screening outcomes from a clinical trial (ISRCTN13778806)
- Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Vitamin D in the UK: an urgent call to redefine the threshold for deficiency
- Obesity Surgery, 2018 -- Efficacy of Cholecalciferol Injections for Treating Hypovitaminosis D Following Duodenal Switch: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- JAMA Network Open, 2021 -- Rethinking Vitamin D Biology in Development—From Thresholds to Trajectories
- Clinical Rheumatology — An Analysis of Vitamin D Levels Among a Large Group of Patients with Rheumatic Disorders
- NICE Guidance on Vitamin D Supplement Use
- Circannual prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in older and minoritized ethnic adults in Northern Britain: screening outcomes from a clinical trial (ISRCTN13778806) | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/109/8/1907/7685305
- https://www.nogg.org.uk/sites/nogg/download/NOGG-Guideline-2024.pdf?v4%253D=
- Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysis | The BMJ
- Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of stratified aggregate data - PubMed
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