The UK is facing a growing health crisis as hospital admissions linked to vitamin deficiencies surge. Recent statistics reveal a troubling rise in conditions like iron deficiency and vitamin B deficiencies, which have significant implications for both individual health and the wider healthcare system.
The Rise in Vitamin Deficiencies
In 2023/24, there were 191,927 hospital admissions for iron deficiency—an alarming 11% increase compared to the previous year, and a staggering tenfold rise since 1998/99. Vitamin B deficiencies, too, have seen a marked increase. These deficiencies aren't just numbers; they represent real people experiencing fatigue, cognitive decline, and other health challenges due to gaps in their nutrition.
Experts, including the Royal College of GPs, point to the increasing unaffordability of nutritious foods as a major factor. Many people are unable to access fresh produce, lean proteins, and other key components of a healthy diet. Instead, the reliance on processed, nutrient-poor foods is creating a cascade of health issues.

Symptoms of Iron and Vitamin B Deficiencies
If you're wondering whether you might be affected, here are some common symptoms of these deficiencies:
Iron Deficiency Symptoms:
Persistent fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
Pale skin and brittle nails
Headaches and dizziness
Heart palpitations
Vitamin B Deficiency Symptoms (including B12 and B9):
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
Depression or mood swings
Muscle weakness
Sores on the tongue or mouth
These symptoms can sometimes be subtle or mistaken for other health issues, but left unaddressed, deficiencies can lead to serious conditions like anaemia, nerve damage, or compromised immune function.
The Role of the Food Industry
The Food Foundation's State of the Nation’s Food Industry 2024 report underscores the need for systemic changes in the UK’s food environment. Shockingly, only one in four major food businesses has a target for improving the healthiness of their sales. Additionally, nearly one-third of major restaurant chains offer meals where more than half the options are dangerously high in salt.
The combination of rising costs for healthy foods and an unbalanced food environment has left many consumers with few options to meet their nutritional needs. This is a public health crisis that demands both government intervention and accountability from the food industry.
How You Can Take Action for Your Health
While systemic change takes time, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your health and ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs:
Listen to Your Body: If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s worth exploring whether a nutrient deficiency could be at play.
Consider Functional Testing: Functional testing is a powerful tool that can uncover hidden nutrient deficiencies. Through analysis of your unique biochemistry, you can gain insights into your health and take targeted steps to optimize your nutrition.

Book Your Functional Testing Today
If you're ready to take control of your health, I offer comprehensive functional testing services that can identify nutrient deficiencies and help you create a personalised health plan. Whether you're concerned about iron levels, vitamin B deficiencies, or overall nutritional balance, functional testing provides the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Book your functional testing appointment today to get a clearer picture of your health and start feeling your best. Together, we can create a roadmap to restore and maintain your vitality.
The rise in vitamin deficiencies is a wake-up call for all of us to prioritise nutrition and demand accountability from the food industry. By staying informed, listening to your body, and leveraging tools like functional testing, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health.
P.S. (Update - 23 January 2025):
Since writing this article, the issue of rising vitamin deficiencies in the UK has become even more pressing. Recent NHS data revealed a significant increase in hospital admissions related to vitamin deficiencies, with figures nearly doubling in the past two years. These admissions highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in our food industry to prioritise nutrient-rich foods over ultra-processed options.
This alarming trend underscores the points raised in this blog: the UK's reliance on heavily processed foods and the lack of robust nutritional policies are contributing to a public health crisis. It’s more critical than ever for policymakers, food manufacturers, and consumers to act collectively to address these deficiencies and promote healthier, more sustainable diets.
Let’s continue the conversation and advocate for meaningful change.
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