asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the statements made at the annual meeting of the Irish Medical Association held on 7th April last regarding the alleged lack of vitamin C in foodstuffs; and if he will comment on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Vitamin Lack.
1.
I have seen a report of statements made at the recent annual meeting of the Irish Medical Association regarding vitamin C deficiency. I propose to study the two surveys referred to in the report and to consider what action, if any, is necessary.
Having regard to the types of food available to the population as a whole, vitamin C deficiency should not occur generally. However, such deficiency might occur because of particular circumstances or personal food choices.
Diet is one of the subjects covered in the course of training for public health nurses and these nurses, where necessary, furnish advice regarding diets to mothers after confinement and to old persons living at home.