Study: more than half of Finns get less vitamin D than recommended
Supplies replenished by summer sun run out by December
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A fresh doctoral study indicates that Finns are not getting enough vitamin D. According to the thesis defended by nutritionist Heli Viljakainen at the University of Helsinki, deficiencies are greatest among girls aged 11 to 12, men aged 21 to 49, and women aged 65 to 85.
Furthermore, groups at risk include girls in their teens, men and women aged 27 to 35, and ageing women.
“The vitamin D situation is insufficient in the winter for 40% of Finns”, Viljakainen says. She measured the amount of vitamin D in the blood at different times of the year.
The variation proved to be so great, that it threatens the well-being of the bones. “More than half get less than the recommended 7.5 micrograms of vitamin D a day.”
Some people are already using vitamin D supplements. Viljakainen believes that without them, the situation would be even worse.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin as a result of sunlight. This takes place in Finland only between mid-April and late October. At other times of the year the sunlight is too weak.
Viljanen noted that the highest amount of vitamin D in the blood reaches a maximum in September, and drops to a minimum in March.
Even at maximum levels, the amount was not very high. In September, the content was just 65 nanomoles per litre. For those who spend large amounts of time in the sun, the content is more than 200 nanomoles.
Vitamin D production varies according to skin type. The skin’s ability to produce vitamin D also decreases with age.
Viljakainen feels that the best way to increase the amount of vitamin D that Finns get would be to add it to foods. This is already taking place. A large proportion of the vitamin D that Finns get comes from milk and margarine that have been fortified with vitamin D during production.
According to the study, 15 to 24 micrograms of vitamin D would be a sufficient amount. This is more than current recommendations call for. “Many find it difficult to reach this level, even if they eat fish, eggs, and margarine, and drink milk”, Viljakainen says. Girls of growing age, who need plenty of vitamin D, often skip fish at meals.
Viljakainen says that the best way to increase consumption of vitamin D is to add it to more foods. It can be added to almost any food.
The maximum safe dose for children under the age of 11 is 25 micrograms a day. Even if vitamin D were added to a number of products, the danger of overdose would be small.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 11.6.2008 - TODAY |
 Study: more than half of Finns get less vitamin D than recommended |
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