Exclusive: Full-Body Health Assessment Uncovers Hidden Vitamin D Shortage
Lifestyle and Money Reporter Lauren Haughey recently underwent an extensive full-body 'health MOT' that revealed a surprising health issue she had never previously considered. The comprehensive screening process, conducted by UK-based private health firm Bluecrest, provided detailed insights into her overall wellbeing while uncovering a significant nutritional deficiency.
The Health MOT Experience
Haughey, who describes herself as generally healthy with regular gym attendance and mostly balanced eating habits, took the opportunity to undergo the thorough assessment in Southampton, Hampshire. "For the most part, I think I'm pretty healthy," she explained. "By no means am I running half-marathons every weekend or busting a gut in HIIT workouts, but I go to the gym regularly, eat my five-a-day most of the time, and generally dodge the chocolate aisle when dropping into the supermarket."
The Bluecrest service, available at 15,000 locations across the UK with prices ranging from £169 to £319, employs a multi-faceted approach to health evaluation. Through physical examinations, comprehensive blood analysis, and even electrocardiogram (ECG) testing, the company's experts assess numerous health markers with prevention as their core philosophy.
Unexpected Results Emerge
Following her assessment, Haughey received mostly positive results, with 58 out of 82 measured factors falling into the 'green' or good category. Her cholesterol levels proved healthy, her heart rhythm appeared normal, and her calculated 'biological age' registered at 18 - seven years younger than her actual chronological age.
However, one significant finding stood out as a 'red flag' concern. To her surprise, the tests revealed a notable vitamin D deficiency, with her blood measurements showing just 35 nmol/L compared to the recommended 50 nmol/L considered sufficient for most individuals.
Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency
Dr Martin Thornton, Chief Medical Officer at Bluecrest, explained the implications of such findings. "A level of 35 nmol/L indicates vitamin D deficiency, which is essential for various functions within the body, including bone health, immune function and cell growth and differentiation," he stated. "In the UK, low vitamin D levels are fairly common due to indoor lifestyles and lack of sunlight."
This deficiency, while often asymptomatic, can potentially lead to:
- Fatigue and general tiredness
- Bone pain and muscle weakness
- Mood changes including depression
- In severe cases, bone deformities such as rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults
Dr Thornton emphasised that such deficiencies represent a widespread concern, with Cleveland Clinic figures suggesting approximately one billion people worldwide experience insufficient vitamin D levels across all age groups.
Addressing the Deficiency
The good news, according to medical experts, is that vitamin D deficiency can typically be managed through several approaches:
- Safe sun exposure when weather permits
- Dietary adjustments to include vitamin D-rich foods
- Supplementation where medically advised
Official guidance in Haughey's MOT report specifically recommended:
"Good sources of Vitamin D include: Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, red meat, liver, egg yolks, fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals. To maintain optimal vitamin D levels, check the packaging on the foods you're eating and try to consume around 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day."
Dr Thornton further clarified that "while diet helps, vitamin D levels are strongly influenced by sunlight exposure and how well your body absorbs and processes vitamin D." He noted that factors including limited sun exposure, darker skin pigmentation, geographic location, seasonal changes, or underlying medical conditions affecting absorption can all contribute to low levels even with adequate dietary intake.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
Both the UK Government and NHS advise that diet and supplements play crucial roles in preventing deficiency, particularly during winter months when sunlight exposure diminishes. However, they caution against exceeding 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D daily, as excessive intake can prove harmful.
For Haughey, the experience has prompted dietary reconsideration and supplement incorporation. "Although not an official diagnosis, my vitamin D results have certainly encouraged me to rethink my diet, and I've even started taking supplements," she revealed. "Without the MOT, I wonder what problems it may have caused down the line."
For those interested in similar health assessments, Bluecrest offers an online search tool to locate the nearest clinic among their 15,000 facilities across 400 UK locations. The comprehensive health MOT approach aims to identify potential issues before they develop into serious health concerns, emphasising preventative healthcare through detailed personal assessment.
