Quipping about British weather is an age-old custom. But recent research shows that the scant amounts of sunshine we get in the UK can seriously affect our health. Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, has been a topic of conversation around health and long-term illnesses. Some of us in the capital are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and we may not be aware of it.
According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 6 adults and 20 percent of children in the UK have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is concerningly common and it’s not just because of the lack of sunshine. Diet, lifestyle and our northern latitude are three other reasons why so many Brits are deficient in the sunshine vitamin. As a result, a large proportion of the UK’s population could be exposed to long-term health issues.
Who’s most at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Some people are predisposed to vitamin D deficiency because of their heritage, while others are deficient because of environmental factors. Being aware of the risks will help you to identify actions you should take. You’re more at risk if you:
- Don’t go outside often
- Wear clothes that cover most of your skin when you’re outdoors – for example, you mostly wear modest fashion
- Have dark skin – for example, you’re from an African, Caribbean or South Asian background
- Are an older adult or young child
- Wear sunscreen often
- Have an existing health issue or you take medications that change the way vitamin D works in the body
- Don’t eat enough foods containing vitamin D
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are significantly overweight
Vitamin D deficiency in the UK’s most ethnically diverse region
The 2021 UK census revealed that London is the most ethnically diverse region in the UK. Nearly half (46 percent) of Londoners are Black and minority ethnic. In fact, London has the highest percentage of people who identify as black in the UK (13.5 percent), and 20 percent of Londoners are of South Asian heritage. This means that a high proportion of the capital’s population is at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
The melanin pigment, which is more prevalent in people with darker skin, reduces the body’s ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Add to the mix the challenges that people who wear modest clothing face in getting enough vitamin D exposure by sunlight, and it’s no wonder that vitamin D is such a significant but largely unaddressed health problem for nearly one in ten of the planet’s population.
Why vitamin D is a big deal
In short, vitamin D is vital to our health – it’s essential for building bone strength and supporting your immune system. It does this by regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, which is crucial for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Many of us get enough of the nutrient through spring and summer sunlight and dietary means. But Londoners should monitor how much vitamin D they’re getting throughout the year, particularly during the colder months.
Research has found that a lack of vitamin D can cause serious illnesses. A study conducted by researchers in the UK and Canada found that vitamin D supplements could help to prevent dementia. The study, published in March 2023, analysed more than 12,000 people, with an average age of 71. The group taking the supplements had 40 percent fewer dementia diagnoses compared to the rest of the cohort.
Vitamin D deficiency can also bring on symptoms of depression, and there’s a body of evidence suggesting that vitamin D played a role in reducing Covid-19 severity, as it aids healthy immune system function.
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has prompted more discussion about it online, leading to innovative solutions gaining traction. Ex-investment banker, serial entrepreneur and fashion designer Ifigeneia “Fi” Paziana TikToks showing her brand’s smart fabric recently went viral, amassing 2.5 million views, 300,000 likes and counting.
Fi has developed and patented a lab-verified smart fabric called Vylet®️, a 100% natural, organic fabric that enables your body to create Vitamin D whilst protecting your skin from harmful UV. The functional fabric will be particularly beneficial for the thousands of Londoners who choose modest fashion for religious, cultural or other reasons. The highly anticipated debut collection featuring the fabric is set for release in Spring 2023.
“I’m incredibly excited about the impact the new garments can have for women – not only the intrinsic pleasure produced by wearing something which looks good in terms of cut and colour, but also the physical and mental health benefits of the smart fabric itself. There are so many applications for Vylet®️ in the future. For example, going into men’s modest fashion, as well as leisure wear, sportswear and more. This is only the beginning of the journey.”
Featured Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash
