Regina Doherty
Question:623. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if his Department has carried out any recent studies on vitamin D deficiency in children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23776/13]
View answerTuesday, 21 May 2013
Questions (623)
Written answers
The Department of Health has not carried out any recent studies of vitamin D status of children. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland informs me that recent national dietary surveys involving children have identified low and, in some cases, deficient intakes of vitamin D. Low intakes of vitamin D is a problem for all age groups living in Ireland because, apart from oily fish there are not many good natural sources of this vitamin.
A national policy of vitamin D supplementation of all infants in Ireland has been implemented. The targeted needs of other sub-groups in the population such as pregnant women are currently being examined.