Attributing it to Scotland’s diet doctors showed concern about crippling hip injuries every year in the country. They said food rich in with vitamin D should be on sale in Scotland to tackle the problem.

A Glasgow study established that about 98 per cent of people with hip fractures have lack of the vitamin in their bodies. Vitamin D is very important for allowing calcium that makes the bones strong. A majority of people meet their Vitamin D needs by exposure to the sun but it is also found in oily fish such as salmon and tuna, and egg yolks.

Stephen Gallacher, a consultant physician who is head of South Glasgow’s fracture liaison service, said yesterday, in Scotland the levels of the vitamin were ‘frighteningly low.’

Vitamin D deficiency could lead to a poor bone density that could further cause osteoporosis even in younger patients.

Dr Gallacher welcomed the Scottish government’s decision of creating awareness in pregnant women and young mothers about vitamin D’s importance.

“We would like to have Scotland as the first country in the world with a comprehensive fracture liaison service. We’re 75 per cent of the way there and just need the financial investment to complete the loop,” said Dr Gallacher.