'Crucial' vitamin deficiency warning for millions across UK in new report

'Crucial' vitamin deficiency warning for millions across UK in new report A new report has warned that millions of Britons may be suffering from 'hidden hunger' Millions of Britons may be consuming sufficient calories while still lacking the vital nutrients required for both current and long-term health and wellbeing, according to a new report. Dietary Deficits and Future Health and Wellness Fallouts has been published by the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS). Experts are warning that vast numbers of people could be experiencing "hidden hunger" - a term used to describe nutrient shortfalls that can silently impact health even when individuals appear to be eating normally. Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire, from the Health and Food Supplements Information Service, said: "The report just published found that 93% of adults believe their diet could be healthier, while more than six in ten say the cost-of-living crisis has affected their food choices. And while 60% of adults claim they try to hit their five-a-day target of fruit and veg, official government dietary surveys suggest fewer than one in five actually achieve it." Health professionals warn the knock-on effects will be wide-ranging, with nutritional deficiencies affecting immune health, energy levels, bone strength, heart and brain health and even cognitive function. Soaring food prices are driving many households away from nutrient-dense foods towards cheaper, more filling options, experts say. Dr Derbyshire said: "The HSIS report highlights significant shortfalls across several essential nutrients - including vitamin D, folate, calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. Importantly, these nutrients do not work in isolation. Shortfalls can interact and compound one another. "For example, vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption, magnesium helps activate vitamin D, while vitamin C improves iron uptake. This means one deficiency may trigger a wider nutritional domino effect across the body." Doctor's top nutrients Britons may be falling short on Dr Derbyshire said: "Vitamin D remains one of the UK's biggest nutritional concerns, particularly during autumn and winter when sunlight exposure drops. It plays a crucial role in immune defence, muscle function and bone health." Experts suggest combining sensible sun exposure with foods such as eggs, mushrooms and oily fish, while many adults would benefit from a daily multivitamin and multimineral supplement with vitamin D or a vitamin D supplement. Dr Derbyshire continued: "Iron is another major concern, particularly among women and teenagers. Around 34% of women aged 19–64 have iron intakes below recommended levels. Low iron levels can contribute to tiredness, poor concentration and low mood. Pairing plant-based iron sources such as lentils or spinach with vitamin C-rich foods like kiwi, peppers, or strawberries may help improve absorption. "Omega-3 fatty acids linked to heart and brain health are lacking in many people's diets. Sardines and mackerel are among the richest sources, while walnuts and chia seeds can help boost plant omega-3 intakes. If you don't like oily fish, then bridge those dietary gaps with an omega-3 or fish oil supplement. "Consumers are right to be worried about their diets as the government's own diet research highlights that our nutrient intakes haven't improved for years and – in many cases – continue to get worse. Any single nutrient gap is of concern, but the pattern of shortfalls we've seen is particularly worrying for future health. "To help bridge nutritional gaps, a multivitamin and multimineral supplement provides a useful self-care nutritional safety net alongside a balanced diet. "Targeted supplements such as vitamin D, omega-3 fish oils and iron may also benefit some groups, particularly during periods of low sun exposure or increased nutritional need."