Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
314. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the actions that are being taken to ensure public awareness and accessibility of vitamin D supplements in accordance with new recommendations issued by the Department of Health, regarding the extended use of vitamin D supplements by children and adults throughout the winter season up to St. Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2264/24]
View answerIn the most recent scientific recommendations for food based dietary guidelines produced by the Food Standards Authority of Ireland (FSAI) it is recommended to take a Vitamin D supplement in addition to consuming a healthy well-balanced diet, to support bone health.
Since 2010, the HSE has recommended a 5 microgram (5g) daily vitamin D supplement in liquid or drop form for babies from birth to 12 months. This guidance was updated in 2020, limiting this recommendation to babies that are breastfed or taking less than 300mls of infant formula a day, reflecting the European Food Safety Authority’s approval of increased vitamin D levels in fortified infant formula and subsequent Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advice.
In 2020, the Department of Health issued guidance recommending a 5 microgram (5g) vitamin D only supplement to be taken daily from Halloween (31st October) to St Patrick’s Day (17th March) in children from one to four years (inclusive). Guidance was also issued advising adults aged 65 and older to take a daily vitamin D supplement of 15 micrograms (15g), either as a multivitamin, a vitamin D-calcium combination or as a vitamin D only supplement, to support bone and muscle health throughout the year. The guidance also recommends a diet with regular intakes of natural sources of vitamin D, such as oily fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified foods.
In response to a request by the Department of Health, the FSAI prepared and published a report in February 2023 on vitamin D recommendations for the rest of the population, as an adjunct to healthy eating guidelines previously published in 2016. The report outlines how people aged 5–65 years can achieve optimal Vitamin D intakes for long term bone and muscle health.
In addition to food sources, vitamin D supplements are recommended for everyone for at least part of the year. Children aged 5 to 12 are recommended to take a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (10 g) daily through the winter months- from Halloween (October 31st) to St Patrick’s Day (17th March) while those aged 13 up to 65 are recommended to take 15 micrograms (15 g). Pregnant women and people of dark-skinned ethnicity should take a Vitamin D supplement all year round.
Resources have been produced by the Department of Health to indicate the recommended amount of Vitamin D based on your age and situation and they are available on HSE and gov.ie websites. The resources are being distributed to health centres and pharmacies around the country, so healthcare professionals can advise the public on appropriate supplement intakes. Vitamin D supplements can be taken as a tablet, liquid drops or spray and are included in many multi vitamin preparations. They are widely available from supermarkets, health food shops and pharmacies with a range of prices.
