Pharmacy teams could help improve the health of millions of people by increasing uptake of the sunshine vitamin – vitamin D, according to a new NICE guideline.

The guidance calls for better awareness of the risks of deficiency, including bone problems like rickets and osteoporosis, and increased availability of supplements at the recommended dosage of 10mcg/day.

The recommendations include a wider distribution of Healthy Start vitamins through community pharmacies and other local settings, free supplements for at-risk groups and national awareness activity. NICE also encourages pharmacies to stock the lowest cost supplements and promote them to at-risk individuals.

In response, Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, commented: “Uptake of Healthy Start supplements among pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children is reported to be less than 10 per cent and as these groups are regular visitors to community pharmacies, we know greater promotion and availability of vitamin D supplements could help improve the health of new mothers and children.”