New vitamin D recommendations suggested for Central Europe

A panel of Polish researchers and physicians has drafted new vitamin D recommendations for Central Europeans including practical guidelines on supplementation and prophylactic vitamin D intakes for neonates, infants, children and adolescents as well as adults.

The experts established ranges of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration indicating vitamin D deficiency (below 20 ng/mL, resp. 50 nmol/L), suboptimal status (20–30 ng/mL, resp. 50–75 nmol/L) and target con-centration for optimal vitamin D effects (30–50 ng/mL, resp. 75–125 nmol/L) (1). They recommend the following vitamin D intakes for: infants 0–6 months: 400 IU/day, infants 6–12 months: 400–600 IU/day, children/adolescents: 600–1,000 IU/day, adults: 800–2,000 IU/day, pregnant women: 1,500–2,000 IU/day. For at risk population groups, they recommend for: premature infants: 400–800 IU/day, obese children: 1,200–2,000 IU/day, obese adults: 1,600–4,000 IU/day, night workers: 1,000–2,000 IU/day.

The researchers commented that improving the vitamin D status of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly must be included in the priorities of physicians, healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies. Adequate vitamin D intake and its serum concentration are important for bone health and calcium-phosphate metabolism as well as for optimal function of many organs and tissues. Documented trends in lifestyle, nutritional habits and physical activity appear to be associated with moderate or severe vitamin D deficits resulting in health problems. Most epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Central European populations, the scientists emphasized.

1. Płudowski P. et al. Practical guidelines for the supplementation of vitamin D and the treatment of deficits in Central Europe – recommended vitamin D intakes in the general population and groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Endokrynol Pol. 2013; 64(4):319–327.