|
|
All About Vitamin D
Frequently Asked Questions (coming soon!)
How D is synthesised (figure) (coming soon!)
Did you know that...
|
The main source of vitamin D for Australians is exposure to sunlight? Thus, levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, the indicator of vitamin D status, vary according to the season and are lower at the end of winter. |
|
In Australia and New Zealand, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varies, but is acknowledged to be much higher than previously thought? One study found marginal deficiency in 23% of women, and another frank deficiency in 80% of dark-skinned and veiled women. The groups at greatest risk of vitamin D deficiency in Australia are dark-skinned and veiled women (particularly in pregnancy), their infants, and older persons living in residential care. |
|
Only a few foods (eg, fish with a high fat content) contain significant amounts of vitamin D? In Australia, margarine and some milk and milk products are currently fortified with vitamin D. |
|
The average estimated dietary intake of vitamin D for men is 2.6–3.0 µg/day and for women is 2.0–2.2 µg/day? The estimated dietary requirement of vitamin D is at least 5.0 µg/day and may be higher for older people. |
|
Adequate intake of vitamin D is unlikely to be achieved through dietary means, particularly in the groups at greatest risk, although vitamin D-fortified foods may assist in maintaining vitamin D status in the general population? |
An appropriate health message for vitamin D needs to balance the need for sunshine against the risk of skin cancer *
* Source: CA Nowson and C Margerison, Med J Aust, 177:149-152, 2002
|
