As rickets in children is on the rise for the first time in 60 years, Vitamin D supplements more popular than ever

　"We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight on our skin and from certain foods" explains Simon Bandy from Veganicity. "Therefore, the people most at risk from a lack of the vitamin are those who spend a lot of time indoors, such as office workers. Vegetarians and vegans are also at risk as most of the foods which contain vitamin D are not veggie-friendly such as fish, eggs and milk."

The return of rickets is mainly due to the fact that children don’t spend as much time playing outdoors as they used to" continues Simon. "This is due to parents keeping their children indoors for safety reasons coupled with kids’ love of computer games."

Vitamin D ensures the body can absorb calcium, potassium and magnesium, all which help to keep bones and teeth strong. It is also thought to help sufferers of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), who experience feelings of mild depression during the winter months when sunlight hours are reduced. A deficiency in the vitamin has been associated with serious conditions in adults including multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

The Department of Health recommends that vitamin D supplements are taken by people aged 65 and over, pregnant and breastfeeding women*, people with darker skins such as those of African-Caribbean and South Asian origin and women who for religious reasons cover most of their face and body.

The new Veganicity Vitamin D supplement provides the optimum daily intake in one easy-to-take small tablet. Available from www.veganicity.com, Amazon.co.uk and all good health stores priced at £5.95 for 90 tablets (approx 3 month supply).