The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) said vitamin D deficiency was a "huge problem" that affected 50 per cent of Europeans, and so fortification measures were necessary.

"CPME calls on the EU Institutions to include vitamin D deficiency in the health agenda" it said.

"Several possible strategies exist to improve the vitamin D status in the major target groups but in some cases, vitamin D supplements or enriched food products are the only viable option. There is evidence that vitamin D supplementation (600-800 IU D3) and a good calcium intake (about or above 1g/d) would significantly reduce the risk of fractures and falls." 

Vitamin D recommendations vary widely around the world, but 400 IU per day is the most common recommended level for normal adults and is utilized in places like Canada, the US and some European countries.

Vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. There is also some evidence that the vitamin may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer and type 1 diabetes.