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Generally speaking, I consider myself to be fairly healthy. Whilst I'm not tackling half-marathons weekly or throwing myself into gruelling HIIT sessions, I maintain a regular gym routine, eat my five-a-day (most days), and typically steer clear of the chocolate aisle during supermarket visits.

However, when Bluecrest presented me with the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive 'health MOT', I jumped at the chance to get definitive answers. The private healthcare company conducts thorough wellness evaluations at 15,000 sites across the UK, with packages currently ranging from £169 to £319.

Using a combination of physical checks, blood analysis and even an ECG, their specialists deliver comprehensive insights into everything from cardiovascular and stroke risks to calcium and iron concentrations. The primary objective is to identify potential problems before they escalate, with prevention at the core of their approach.

Following my assessment in Southampton, Hampshire, I was pleased to learn that 58 out of 82 measured indicators were rated 'green' - signifying good health. My cholesterol readings were fine, my cardiac rhythm was regular, and my 'biological age' came in at 18, a full seven years below my chronological age.

Yet one striking indicator landed firmly in the 'red flag' zone - and it concerned something I'd barely given thought to. Surprisingly, I'm significantly lacking in vitamin D, an essential nutrient vital for immunity and skeletal health.

Whilst 50 nmol/L of vitamin D in the bloodstream is deemed adequate for most people, my reading came in at 35 nmol/L, leaving me vulnerable to various uncomfortable side effects. However, this issue is far more widespread than you might imagine.

Data from Cleveland Clinic reveals that approximately one billion people across the world have a vitamin D deficiency, spanning from infants to adults. Dr Martin Thornton, Chief Medical Officer at Bluecrest, also highlighted that such deficiencies are particularly prevalent across the UK, owing to various contributing factors, not least the weather.

In an interview after my MOT, he explained: "A level of 35 nmol/L indicates vitamin D deficiency, which is essential for various functions within the body, including bone health, immune function and cell growth and differentiation. In the UK, low vitamin D levels are fairly common due to indoor lifestyles and lack of sunlight.

"The good news is that vitamin D deficiency can usually be addressed through a combination of safe sun exposure, dietary changes, and supplementation where needed."

Whilst vitamin D deficiencies frequently present no warning signs, they may give rise to tiredness, aching bones, weakened muscles, or changes in mood, including depression. A serious vitamin D deficiency may also result in skeletal abnormalities such as rickets in youngsters or osteomalacia, a debilitating condition, in adults.

As Dr Thornton advised, both the UK Government and the NHS also recommend that diet and supplementation are crucial for preventing deficiencies, particularly during the winter. However, it's important not to exceed 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D daily, as excessive amounts could prove harmful.

Official advice in my MOT report further explained: "Good sources of Vitamin D include: Oily fish - such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, red meat, liver, egg yolks, fortified foods - such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals. To maintain optimal vitamin D levels, check the packaging on the foods you're eating and try to consume around 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day."

Dr Thornton also continued: "While diet helps, vitamin D levels are strongly influenced by sunlight exposure and how well your body absorbs and processes vitamin D. Factors such as limited sun exposure, darker skin pigmentation, geographic location, seasonal changes, or medical conditions affecting absorption or metabolism can all contribute to low levels, even with a good diet."

Although it's no formal diagnosis, my vitamin D results have prompted me to completely reassess my diet, and I've now begun taking supplements. Without the MOT, I wonder what health complications might have emerged down the line.

To book your health MOT, use Bluecrest's online search tool to locate your nearest clinic. There are 15,000 clinics available across 400 locations throughout the UK.