TL;DR
Get self-care favorites delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A government diet and nutrition survey cited by Glamour UK found nearly one in five UK adults aged 19–64 had vitamin D deficiency, rising to nearly one in three during winter. Fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent illness and low mood are possible signs, but none confirms a deficiency; testing and clinical advice may be needed.
A government diet and nutrition survey cited in a 2026 Glamour UK report found that nearly one in five UK adults aged 19–64 had vitamin D deficiency, rising to nearly one in three during winter. The report lists fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent illness and low mood as possible signs, while stressing that symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body produces when skin is exposed to UVB sunlight. It helps regulate calcium and phosphate, nutrients involved in maintaining bones, teeth and muscles. The NHS is cited in the report for its role in regulating these minerals. Vitamin D is also involved in immune function, though a symptom such as frequent illness has many possible causes.
The five signs described are increased illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and depression or low mood. The report cites studies linking deficiency with fatigue and muscle weakness, and says low vitamin D may contribute to bone pain when the body cannot absorb calcium and phosphorus properly. It also discusses research into vitamin D and mood, but notes that the relationship with depression needs further study.
These symptoms are not specific to vitamin D deficiency. Feeling tired or low, for example, can arise for many reasons, and the report does not present the signs as a self-diagnosis checklist. People concerned about symptoms or their vitamin D levels should seek advice from a healthcare professional rather than infer a deficiency from symptoms alone.
Why Winter Deficiency Rates Matter
The survey figures suggest that vitamin D deficiency affects a substantial share of UK adults, with the reported proportion higher in winter. That seasonal pattern is relevant because the body makes vitamin D in response to sunlight, and the report says winter UV rays in the UK may be too weak for sufficient production. Awareness can help readers discuss risks and symptoms with a clinician, but the figures do not show that any particular symptom is caused by deficiency.
The distinction matters for decisions about supplements and treatment. Fatigue, pain and low mood have multiple possible causes; assuming vitamin D is responsible could delay assessment of another health issue. The report’s figures also concern a defined group—UK adults aged 19–64—and should not be applied automatically to every age group or location.
Vitamin D supplements for deficiency
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Sunlight, Diet and Seasonal Risk
The report attributes vitamin D deficiency mainly to limited sun exposure and an unbalanced diet. People who spend substantial time indoors, live where sunlight is limited, or have little dietary vitamin D may have increased risk, according to the nutritionists and clinicians quoted. Foods named as sources include fatty fish, eggs and fortified milk.
Experts interviewed by Glamour UK said sunlight can support vitamin D production during the brighter months, while noting that UK winter conditions may not provide enough UVB. The report includes an expert estimate of 15 minutes of sun exposure a day, but exposure needs vary, and this should not be read as individualized medical guidance or as a reason to risk sunburn.
The report also describes UK supplementation advice from its interviewees, including a claim that people in the UK should take supplements. That is an expert opinion presented in the article, not a personalized prescription. Readers should check current NHS guidance and consult a healthcare professional about appropriate supplementation, particularly if they have a medical condition or take medication.
““It’s often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because our bodies produce it in response to sunlight.””
— Jessica Sepel, nutritionist and JSHealth Vitamins founder, as quoted by Glamour UK
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Symptoms Cannot Confirm Deficiency
The report does not provide the survey’s full methods, field dates or detailed breakdowns, so those cannot be assessed from the material supplied. It also does not state whether the figures refer to a particular testing threshold or how deficiency was measured. The cited proportions should therefore be presented as the survey findings reported by Glamour UK, rather than as a new estimate.
Research into vitamin D and fatigue and depression remains incomplete, according to the report, and associations do not by themselves prove cause and effect. It is also unclear from the source which individuals with these symptoms have low vitamin D. A clinical assessment, and testing where appropriate, is needed to establish whether someone is deficient.
Vitamin D lamps for winter light therapy
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Discuss Testing and Supplements
Readers who recognize these symptoms or have risk factors can discuss them with a GP or other qualified health professional. A clinician can consider possible causes, decide whether a vitamin D test is appropriate and advise on supplementation. Symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis, and supplement needs can vary.
The report points to sunlight and vitamin D-containing foods as ways to support intake, while acknowledging seasonal limits in the UK. Readers should follow current public health advice on sun exposure and check official guidance on supplements rather than relying on a fixed dose or exposure period from an interview. Further detail on the survey methods and stronger research on mood-related effects would help clarify the scale and implications of the findings.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
What are five possible signs of low vitamin D?
The Glamour UK report lists frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and low mood. These symptoms can have other causes and do not confirm a deficiency.
How common was vitamin D deficiency in the survey?
The survey figures cited in the report found deficiency in nearly one in five UK adults aged 19–64, rising to nearly one in three in winter. The source material does not give the survey’s full methods or measurement details.
Can symptoms alone tell me if I have a deficiency?
No. Fatigue, pain and low mood are not specific to vitamin D deficiency. A healthcare professional can assess symptoms and decide whether testing is suitable.
What foods contain vitamin D?
The report names fatty fish, eggs and fortified milk as dietary sources. The amount can vary by food and product, so check labels where relevant.
Should everyone take a vitamin D supplement?
The report quotes an expert who recommends supplementation in the UK, but this is not individual medical advice. Check current NHS guidance and ask a healthcare professional about what is appropriate for your circumstances.
Source: rss
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
