In the UK around 1 in 5 people have low levels of vitamin D. This can have important consequences because vitamin D is essential for bone health, and low levels can lead to bone problems such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Vitamin D is needed for everyone at all stages of life, from newborns and childhood, to adolescence, adulthood, and old age – which I find very exciting and fascinating. Being interested in paediatrics, endocrinology and neurology, and considering following a clinical academic path in the future, I decided to pursue a research project in vitamin D for my Specialty choice placement (SCP). Vitamin D deficiency Over the past few weeks I have been working with Dr Tanna, a consultant pharmacist, and Prof Blair, a consultant paediatrician with an interest in public health, on a research project about vitamin D aiming to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living in the UK. In the UK vitamin D deficiency is very common, and therefore the NHS...
Updates from the Department of Primary Care and Public Health at Imperial College