Ireland recommends vitamin D supplements for infants

The Irish Food Safety Authority (FSAI) has recommended the implementation of a national policy of vitamin D supplementation in all infants aged 0-12 months.

The authority's report, Recommendations for a National Policy of Vitamin D Supplementation for Infants in Ireland, comes in response to observations that many of the country's infants, adults, adolescent girls and pregnant women had poor vitamin D status, placing them at risk of health problems later in life.

"It is evident that low intakes of vitamin D are prevalent among all age groups throughout Ireland and that the recommended daily intake of 5 micrograms of vitamin D per day is not being met," said Dr Mary Flynn, chief specialist in public health nutrition, FSAI.

"Babies are most susceptible to developing the bone deformities associated with rickets because of the rapid growth and development that occurs during the first year of life and the likelihood of having insufficient stores of vitamin D to meet their needs. It is therefore necessary to adopt a clear, simple and safe recommendation. We conclude that all infants aged 0-12 months living in Ireland would benefit from vitamin D supplementation," she said.

Ireland's northerly latitude means that vitamin D production from sunlight is severely compromised particularly during the winter months of October to March.

The report also highlights that the dietary sources of the vitamin - including fortified foods - were not able to raise vitamin D levels in the Irish population.

Steve - while long overdue, this is a very wise move and should be replicated in as many northern nations as possible, including the US.