News
Four times recommended vitamin D dose needed in winter
9 March 2009
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D during winter months requires a daily dose of 20 micrograms, four times the current recommended dose, according to a new study.
02 April 2010
Ensuring adequate intakes of vitamin D could save the German population about €37.5 billion in health care costs, according to a new review.
In the review, a German scientist states that up to 45 percent of the German population could be vitamin D insufficient, with an additional 15 to 30 percent deficient, thereby putting them at risk for a variety of health problems (1).
In addition, current recommendations are not enough and need to be doubled at least, with daily intakes of 25 micrograms required, the researcher commented. This would represent a significant increase from current recommendations, which range from 5 to 10 micrograms per day. Adherence to present sun safety policy and dietary recommendations would definitively lead to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need to change current sun safety policy and dietary vitamin D recommendations.
According to data from the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey (GNHIES), and the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), a large proportion of the general German population is vitamin D insufficient or deficient. Vitamin D deficiency in adults is reported to precipitate or exacerbate osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. There is also some evidence that the vitamin may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer and type-1 diabetes.
Using estimates from a recent Europe-wide study, which put the direct and indirect costs of inadequate vitamin D levels at €187 billion for the bloc’s 363 million people, the scientist calculated that Germany could potentially save up to €38 billion annually.
9 March 2009
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D during winter months requires a daily dose of 20 micrograms, four times the current recommended dose, according to a new study.
23 June 2014
In a new draft, the US Food and Drug Administration strongly recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women eat more omega-3 fatty-acid-rich fish as part of a healthy diet.
1 September 2012
The number of people who exercise, and their understanding of the role of nutrition in sports performance, is increasing: The percentage of Americans and Europeans who are physically active increased significantly over the last decade (1-3). In addition, people are tending to stay active for longer (4). The body needs carbohydrates, protein, fats (especially polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. Prolonged exercise performed on a regular basis may result in increased micronutrient losses from the body or in an increased rate of turnover, resulting in the need for an increased dietary intake. Today’s science of sports nutrition is sophisticated, revealing new insights about the measurable benefits of micronutrients, the amounts needed thereof, and the appropriate timing of intake.