Vitamin D experts from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and DSM Nutritional Products (DSM) have joined forces to advocate for greater awareness on the global problem of vitamin D deficiency.
At a round table following the IOF’s 2010 regional conference in Singapore, scientists from the IOF and DSM discussed ways to highlight the global problem of vitamin D deficiency and the development of an interactive worldwide map on vitamin D levels as a tool for educating the public and policymakers. A prototype of the map, conceptualized through discussions between the IOF and DSM, involved the analysis and calibration of around 900 data points from nearly 200 publications.
Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, Vice President of DSM’s Nutrition Science & Advocacy group, which is leading the development of the map, stated: “The result clearly shows that the vitamin D status of many population groups around the world does not meet experts’ recommendations.”
The U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently announced updated Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for vitamin D that tripled the recommended daily allowance across all groups, except those over 50 years of age, for whom the updated allowance increased by 200 IU. Upper intake levels were also raised for all groups. While deemed conservative in light of the latest science and experts’ recommendations, the IOM’s effort has been commended by the IOF and DSM as a step in the right direction to reduce the burden of vitamin D deficiency.
Both organizations agree more advocacy is needed to align the recommended vitamin D intake levels of food and health authorities the world over with more progressive, evidence-based proposals of 1,000-2,000 IU per day, especially for risk groups such as women and the elderly.
About IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a non profit, nongovernmental umbrella organization dedicated to the worldwide fight against osteoporosis, the disease known as “the silent epidemic”. IOF’s members – committees of scientific researchers, patient, medical and research societies and industry representatives from around the world – share a common vision of a world without osteoporotic fractures. IOF now represents 195 societies in 93 locations. http://www.iofbonehealth.org
About DSM Nutritional Products
DSM Nutritional Products is the world's leading supplier of vitamins, carotenoids and other fine chemicals to the feed, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries. The business has sales of over EUR 2 billion and a long tradition as a pioneer in the discovery of new products, new formulations and attractive applications for all industry segments. More information at www.dsmnutritionalproducts.com and www.qualityforlife.com
DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic performance, environmental quality and social responsibility, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about € 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com
For more information:
DSM Nutritional Products
Charlotte Frederiksen
Tel: +41 (0)61 815 83 54
Fax: +41 (0)61 815 82 90
E-mail: charlotte.frederiksen@dsm.com
