31/01/2026
A recent study led by the University of Surrey found a clear link between vitamin D deficiency and higher hospital admissions for respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Vitamin D is produced when our skin is exposed to sunlight and is also found in foods like oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks. It plays a vital role in bone strength, muscle function, and immune defence.
The study analysed NHS data from over 36,000 people and showed:
• People with severe vitamin D deficiency were around one-third more likely to be admitted to hospital with respiratory infections.
• For every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D levels, hospital admissions dropped by around 4%.
Despite this, a large portion of the population — especially in the UK winter months — are deficient. Government guidelines recommend 10 micrograms (400 IU) daily, yet many people still fall short.
Research across multiple studies has also shown that vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in people diagnosed with cancer, with estimates often ranging between 40–70% depending on the population studied. Low vitamin D levels are associated with poorer immune response and overall health outcomes.
For that reason, many practitioners encourage daily supplementation, particularly in autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is low.
Personally, I’ve taken vitamin D every day since my diagnosis in 2018.
My routine is 4 × 4000 IU capsules daily.
This isn’t about replacing medical treatment — it’s about supporting the body alongside it. Small, consistent actions add up.
In countries with limited sunlight for much of the year, vitamin D is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to support overall health. DM me if you think you could do with some vitamin D therapy 🩵
