Authors: Rasmussen L.B.¹; Hansen G.L.²; Hansen E.¹; Koch B.¹; Mosekilde L.³; Mølgaard C.⁴; Sørensen O.H.⁵; Ovesen L.¹

Source: International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Volume 51, Number 3, 1 May 2000 , pp. 209-215(7)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

A working group was established to evaluate the need for an increased vitamin D intake in the Danish population. Vitamin D is primarily important for calcium homeostasis, calcium absorption in the intestine and calcium content in bones, and thereby for the strength of the bones. Only a few foods provide vitamin D and the intake in the Danish population is low compared to the recommendation. However, vitamin D is also produced by the skin from solar exposure. How much vitamin D is provided this way is not known but it is said to be the most important source. Measures of vitamin D status and clinical signs of vitamin D status are therefore important when assessing the possible need for increased vitamin D intake. Measures of vitamin D status have shown a low status in the elderly but not in the young. More than 50% of nursing-home residents have low blood vitamin D levels and many have biochemical signs of osteomalacia. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis. In Denmark, for instance, 13 000 admissions each year are caused by hip fractures alone, almost all among elderly people. Dark-skinned women often constitute a problem with respect to vitamin D sufficiency because of reduced production from the skin secondary to extensive covering, skin pigmentation and many hours spent indoors. It is concluded that the elderly and dark-skinned (veiled) women will benefit from an increased vitamin D supply. Four strategies to increase vitamin D supply were considered: dietary changes, increased solar exposure, dietary supplements with vitamin D and food fortification with vitamin D. It is concluded that the best solution is to recommend dietary supplements with vitamin D to elderly over 65 years, dark-skinned and veiled women and people who, because of disease, are unable to spend time outdoors.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Mørkhej Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark 2: Board of Health 3: Department of Internal Medicine, Århus County Hospital 4: Research Department of Human Nutrition, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University 5: The Osteoporosis Research Centre, Copenhagen Municipal Hospital, Denmark

Publication date: 2000-05-01

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