24/01/12 - Vitamin D in the News

Vitamin D – Are You At Risk?

Vitamin D has become increasingly prevalent in the news over the last few months, perhaps in response to increased public awareness about conditions associated with Vitamin D deficiency.

The main focus of the news reports are focused on who is at risk of Vitamin D deficiency and what are the associated implications?

What are the health risks?

Several reports have illustrated the health implications of Vitamin D deficiency, linking the condition to increasing occurrences of rickets disease, and even associating it with multiple sclerosis in areas such as Scotland.  An Oxford University professor even called for foods to be fortified with Vitamin D “because the link between the condition and Vitamin D deficiency is so strong”. [1]

In an oxford university study funded by the MS Society and published in the Annals of Neurology, it was noted that “The very strong implication is that in these particular cases of MS, low vitamin D levels are directly connected to the disease” [2]

In the Official Journal of The American Academy of Pediatrics it was noted that “Rickets in infants attributable to inadequate vitamin D intake and decreased exposure to sunlight continues to be reported in the United States.” Before going on to recommend that infants should be supplemented with a minimum intake of 200 IU of Vitamin D per day for the first two months of their lives. [3]

Who is at risk?

Attention for Vitamin D deficiency has come from many other high profile sources, including the Chief Medical Officer for England; Professor Dame Sally Davies who warned that children between the ages of six months and five years should be given Vitamin D supplements, especially during winter months; echoing the advice from The American Journal of Pediatrics.

In 2008, The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published a statement that a notable percentage of the UK population have low “Vitamin D status” and are thereby at increased risk of deficiency.  They identified those most at risk are “pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, older people and black and ethnic minority groups” [4]

One of the biggest problems has been raising awareness of Vitamin D deficiency among parents and health care professionals.  A recent study suggested that 74% of parents and approximately 50% of professionals are unaware of the facts.

Where I can I find out the information I need?

During January 2010, in an attempt to raise awareness; the UK Department of Health published a document aimed at healthcare professionals to provide the information surrounding Vitamin D deficiency and it’s consequences.

You can find that leaflet here: Vitamin D Guidance

Sources:

[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16255962
[2] http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2011/110912.html
[3] http://www.pediatricsdigest.mobi/content/111/4/908.full
[4] http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_127420