MODERN lifestyle and work patterns could be putting our health at greater risk because of the majority of time we spend indoors.

In a recent study of more than 50,000 people it was found that up to 91 per cent of us are not getting the right amount of vitamin D needed to live a healthy life.

It found that shift workers, office staff and people whose professions require them to be indoors are those most at risk from vitamin D deficiency. Although easily chalked up as a factor of 21st century life, there are real dangers associated with a lack of Vitamin D including increased risk of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions and depression.

A report published in the medical journal BCM Public Health collected information from dozens of which focused on the health benefits of vitamin D.

It concluded that 80 per cent of shift workers were vitamin D deficient, as were 77 per cent of indoor workers, and 77 per cent of healthcare students.

A staggering 91 per cent of indoor workers had at least insufficient levels of the vital vitamin.

The authors of the report recommended that sunshine breaks should be available to workers to ensure they stay healthy.

They said: "For occupations predominantly based indoors workers could be encouraged to take intermittent breaks outside to expose the skin to UV light, work schedules could be re-imagined to allow for such breaks."

There are extensive health and safety regulations which are in place to ensure employees can work in a healthy environment. However, this broadly focuses on physical health. Blue light filters for computer monitors, supportive chairs and keyboards are available for workers in order to avoid physical injury.

But when it comes to Vitamin D and its beneficial aspects towards mental health, there is more work to be done.

Several studies carried out in the UK and abroad have found a link between low levels of vitamin D in the blood, and the symptoms of depression.

Over recent years there has been a greater understanding of the benefits of vitamin D. Last year, guidelines were published by Public Health England to encourage a regular update of the vitamin.

We naturally obtain vitamin D through sunlight however because of the often cloudy climate and majority of UK employees working indoors, the use of vitamin supplements during the winter months is increasingly recommended.

Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at PHE, said: "A healthy, balanced diet and short bursts of sunshine will mean most people get all the vitamin D they need in spring and summer. However, everyone will need to consider taking a supplement in the autumn and winter if you don’t eat enough foods that naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with it. And those who don’t get out in the sun or always cover their skin when they do, should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year."

Colin Cox, director of public health at Cumbria County Council also encouraged people to nip vitamin deficiency in the bud, before any long-term problems develop.

He said: "The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. From late March to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.

"For people like office workers who spend most of their time indoors, this is another good reason to make sure you take a lunch break and get outside for a short walk. Walking or cycling to and from work is another great way to get plenty of vitamin D as well as helping you to keep fit. However, between October and early March we do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight, and we need to eat more foods which are naturally high in vitamin D such as oily fish, red meat and egg yolks, or to consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the winter months."