An NHS scheme to give life-saving vitamin D to under fives is reaching only a tiny minority of children in the UK. A radical overhaul is needed if the epidemic of chronic disease linked to vitamin D is to be halted, an expert said last night.

Health care professionals have known for many years that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the health of bones and teeth. Recent research has led to a deeper understanding of the impact vitamin D has on our overall health. One such study conducted by scientists at the University of Massachusetts found a relationship between vitamin D and premenstrual syndrome.