Food Programme - Vitamin D

A growing body of evidence suggests we may need more Vitamin D. But since access to the sun is limited and people are wary of skin cancer, should we be fortifying more foods with Vitamin D or consuming supplements? Health professionals have been appalled at the return of rickets in some communities and studies have shown that infants can be at risk of heart failure if the mother is lacking in Vitamin D. Current guidelines are based on the avoidance of rickets rather than on an optimal amount of Vitamin D for health. Why is the UK apparently behind other countries in its recommendations and in supplementation and fortification of foods - and does this need to change? Producer: Margaret Collins.