NATIONAL guidance on vitamin D has been backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council after official estimates suggested one in five adults and one in six children in England may have low levels.

A report commissioned by the Government has said everyone over the age of one needs to consume 10 micrograms of the vitamin each day through over-the-counter supplements in order to protect bone and muscle health.

Limited amounts of the vitamin are found in foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified cereals but, for most people, the bulk of their vitamin D is made from the action of sunlight on skin.

Cllr Mustafa Desai, executive member for health and adult social care, said: “This is new Government guidance based on evidence looked at over the last five years which suggests that we might not be getting enough vitamin D from sunlight or through our diets.

“Vitamin D is vital in the maintenance of bone health and I would encourage people, parents and guardians to ensure everyone over the age of one takes supplements based on the recommended dose of 10 micrograms per day to reduce their risk of bone disease and fracture.”

For more visit www.nhs.uk.