Sajid Javid could order Vitamin D to be added to food and drink in the same way as fluoride is to water.
The Health Secretary is so alarmed by figures which show one in six adults and 20% of children are now deficient in the vital vitamin he has ordered a review into how people can get more of it.
Although it is naturally produced by sunlight, low levels in Winter can lead to rickets, bone pain and disabilities
Older people, the housebound and people from Black and South Asian communities are more likely to suffer.
Mr Javid said: “Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health.
“I have launched this call for evidence to identify innovative ways we can encourage people to increase their intake and live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
That could include adding Vitamin D to milk, bread, margarine and cooking oils as is done in Canada, Sweden, Finland. Australia and the US.
Current medical advice recommends adults and children take a daily 10 microgram pill between October and March.
Dr Tazeem Bhatia of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said: “We want to improve the dietary health of the population.”
