Recent studies have shown that people who get plenty of vitamin D may have a lower risk of developing a heart disease, according to research led by Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center dietitians.

According to the research, published in the journal Maturitas, exposure to sunshine alongside a healthy diet rich in oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel can provide adequate protection.

The team of researchers, from Warwick Medical School, examined the effect of the vitamin on cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Dr Johanna Parker, who is currently working in a Birmingham GP practice, said, "The research we conducted looked at naturally-occurring vitamin D rather than supplements. We recommend people eat a healthy diet with two to three portions of oily fish a week and five portions of fruit and vegetables”.

"90% of your vitamin D comes from sunshine so we recommend sensible sun exposure in the summer. People should expose themselves for 30 minutes twice a week - this means exposing the face and arms with no sunscreen”, she added. "This would provide the body with adequate vitamin D".