2p pill could lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar

A renowned doctor and medical podcast host has said a common supplement could significantly boost heart and metabolic health -and it's available for around 2p a pill. Dr Mark Hyman, who is also an author and who boasts millions of social media followers, regularly shares medical advice on Instagram.

And in a new post on Saturday, November 9, Dr Hyman said: "A new meta-study reveals that Vitamin D supplements - specifically a median daily dose of 3,320 IU - may help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar markers, potentially boosting heart and metabolic health."

Vitamin D is essential for many other reasons. According to the NHS, it helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, with these nutrients necessary for bone, teeth and muscle health.

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A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors, with Government health chiefs advising people to consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.

Vitamin D is also available from a small number of foods, these being oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as some breakfast cereals.