In 2019 the Department of Health requested the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, through their Scientific Committee, to develop Scientific Recommendations on Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults over 65 years.
In May 2020, the FSAI was requested to fast track the current work on Vitamin D and older people to provide an evidence -base to the Department of Health to underpin public health policy for vitamin D supplementation in older people, 65 plus years. The FSAI was asked to:
- Look at the vitamin D requirements for older adults and their current vitamin D intake status.
- Consider how best to achieve vitamin D requirements, taking total vitamin D intake into consideration.
- Determine the older population sub-groups that need vitamin D supplementation.
- Determine the level of supplementation required within these sub-groups and the appropriate vitamin D supplement.
- Consider any special circumstances.
- Deliver scientific advice for population- based guidance to the Department of Health before the end of September.