Medichecks Blood tests

Round & About

Even as the UK basks in sunshine, a surprising health warning is casting a shadow – quite literally – over the nation, especially for young adults

Dr Natasha Fernando, Medical Director at Medichecks, says your shadow can tell you whether your body is producing enough vitamin D:

“If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are strong enough for your skin to make vitamin D. But if it’s longer, or missing entirely, you’re probably not getting enough, even on a sunny day,” she explains.

But there’s a bigger problem at play. Data from Medichecks reveals that a staggering 58% of 18 to 30-year-olds are showing suboptimal vitamin D levels, even during brighter months – despite longer days and more sunshine.

New data from Medichecks reveals that a staggering 58% of 18 to 30-year-olds are showing suboptimal vitamin D levels, even during brighter months – despite longer days and more sunshine.

●            58% of 18-30-year-olds had levels below 75 nmol/L – considered suboptimal

●            Young adults were twice as likely to be deficient compared to over-60s (25.41% vs 12.78%)

●            Half (50%) of young transgender adults were found to be vitamin D deficient

●            Across all ages, over half (52%) had suboptimal levels (<75 nmol/L)

●            18.36% of all customers had a vitamin D deficiency

“This is more than just a winter problem,” says Dr Asia Ahmed, Digital Clinician at Medichecks. “Even in the warmer months, many young people are still missing out – likely due to indoor lifestyles, high screen time, and a lack of year-round supplementation.”

“Testing is a simple step that could make a huge difference,” says Dr Ahmed. “It’s empowering to know your vitamin D status – and correcting a deficiency is often easy, whether through diet, supplements or smarter sun habits.”

Medichecks offers a quick and accurate at-home Vitamin D Blood Test, £39, with results reviewed by doctors and delivered securely online. It’s the easiest way to know if you’re on track, or falling short.