Vitamin D: do we get enough? A discussion between vitamin D experts in order to make a step towards the harmonisation of dietary reference intakes for vitamin D across Europe.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D, often co-administered with calcium, in bone health and other systems, and to establish recommended intake levels.
Results Summary
The study found that vitamin D supplementation, frequently combined with calcium, reduces fracture risk in older adults and supports optimal bone health. However, evidence for extraskeletal benefits remains inconclusive.
Population
Older adults aged ≥65 years
Effective Dosage
20 μg (800 IU) vitamin D daily (calcium dosage not specified)
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D | increase | bone health | - | - | may play a pivotal role | #1 |
vitamin D | increase | cardiovascular system | - | - | may play a pivotal role | #2 |
vitamin D | increase | pancreas | - | - | may play a pivotal role | #3 |
vitamin D | increase | muscle | - | - | may play a pivotal role | #4 |
vitamin D | increase | immune system | - | - | may play a pivotal role | #5 |
vitamin D | increase | brain | - | - | may play a pivotal role | #6 |
vitamin D supplementation, in most studies co-administered with calcium | decrease | fracture risk | the senior population | - | reduces | #7 |
a mean daily vitamin D intake of 20 μg (800 IU) | increase | serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 nmol/l | older adults aged ≥65 years | - | to reach | #8 |
UNLABELLED: On September 29, 2011, acknowledged experts in the field of vitamin D, mainly European, were brought together in order to discuss the recent scientific advances in relation to vitamin D: the current requirements and associations with various health outcomes. In this article, the discussions resulting from the meeting are summarized. INTRODUCTION: Several groups at risk for developing vitamin D insufficiency have been identified. Accordingly, reviews indicate that a significant percentage of the population worldwide have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l. In addition to the role of vitamin D in bone health, recent studies suggest that it may play a pivotal role in other systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system, pancreas, muscle, immune system and brain. Most evidence, however, is obtained from observational studies and yet inconclusive. METHODS: To exchange and broaden knowledge on the requirements for vitamin D and its effect on various health outcomes, a workshop entitled "Vitamin D Expert Meeting: Do we get enough?", was organized. RESULTS: Despite low vitamin D levels worldwide, consensus on the definition of deficiency is not yet reached. In order to define cut-off points for vitamin D whilst taking into account extraskeletal health effects, randomized controlled trials in these fields are warranted. The experts do emphasize that there is evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in the maintenance of optimal bone health at all ages and that vitamin D supplementation, in most studies co-administered with calcium, reduces fracture risk in the senior population. CONCLUSION: To reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 nmol/l older adults aged ≥65 years are therefore recommended to meet a mean daily vitamin D intake of 20 μg (800 IU), which is best achieved with a supplement.