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Official recommendations for vitamin D through the life stages in developed countries

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 74, pages 1514–1518 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Inadequate vitamin D nutritional status is prevalent worldwide and has been associated with autoimmune disorders, heart disease, deadly cancers, insulin resistance, inflammation, neurological disorders, adverse outcomes in pregnancy, and increased risk for mortality. Expert recommendations for vitamin D intake differ between governmental agencies and practice guidelines from medical societies due to differences in the definition of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations. In addition, separate health promotion bodies also provide targeted recommendations for the prevention of specific disorders such as reducing risk for developing some cancers and autoimmune diseases. We review and provide perspectives regarding various recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM, United States) and Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN; United Kingdom), the World Health Organization, the Endocrine Society and other expert groups by life stage as a guide intended for clinician use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Research, Pure North S’Energy Foundation, 326 11th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2R 0C5, Canada

    Samantha M. Kimball

  2. Boston University Medical Center, 85 East Newton St. M-1013, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Michael F. Holick

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Correspondence to Samantha M. Kimball.

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Kimball, S.M., Holick, M.F. Official recommendations for vitamin D through the life stages in developed countries. Eur J Clin Nutr 74, 1514–1518 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-020-00706-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-020-00706-3

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