Vitamin D 'proved to cut risk of colds and flu'

Move would also save NHS money, argue authors of major study that shows vitamin D can reduce risk of respiratory infections

Adding vitamin D to food would significantly cut NHS costs, say the authors of a major global study that shows it can reduce the risk of colds, flu and other dangerous infections such as pneumonia.

A government advisory committee on nutrition has already warned of the low levels of the so-called "sunshine vitamin" in the UK population and recommended food fortification as a possible course of action. In the US, for example, milk is fortified with vitamin D.