scholarly journals Vitamin D Biofortification of Pork May Offer a Food-Based Strategy to Increase Vitamin D Intakes in the UK Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly R. Neill ◽  
Chris I. R. Gill ◽  
Emma J. McDonald ◽  
W. Colin McRoberts ◽  
L. Kirsty Pourshahidi

Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent worldwide, with many populations failing to achieve the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for vitamin D (10–20 μg/day). Owing to low vitamin D intakes, limited exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) induced dermal synthesis, lack of mandatory fortification and poor uptake in supplement advice, additional food-based strategies are warranted to enable the UK population to achieve optimal vitamin D intakes, thus reducing musculoskeletal risks or suboptimal immune functioning. The aims of the current study were to (1) determine any changes to vitamin D intake and status over a 9-year period, and (2) apply dietary modeling to predict the impact of vitamin D biofortification of pork and pork products on population intakes. Data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (Year 1–9; 2008/09–2016/17) were analyzed to explore nationally representative mean vitamin D intakes and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations (n = 13,350). Four theoretical dietary scenarios of vitamin D pork biofortification were computed (vitamin D content +50/100/150/200% vs. standard). Vitamin D intake in the UK population has not changed significantly from 2008 to 2017 and in 2016/17, across all age groups, 13.2% were considered deficient [25(OH)D <25 nmol/L]. Theoretically, increasing vitamin D concentrations in biofortified pork by 50, 100, 150, and 200%, would increase vitamin population D intake by 4.9, 10.1, 15.0, and 19.8% respectively. When specifically considering the impact on gender and age, based on the last scenario, a greater relative change was observed in males (22.6%) vs. females (17.8%). The greatest relative change was observed amongst 11–18 year olds (25.2%). Vitamin D intakes have remained stable in the UK for almost a decade, confirming that strategies are urgently required to help the population achieve the RNI for vitamin D. Biofortification of pork meat provides a proof of concept, demonstrating that animal-based strategies may offer an important contribution to help to improve the vitamin D intakes of the UK population, particularly adolescents.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1868
Author(s):  
Wim Calame ◽  
Laura Street ◽  
Toine Hulshof

Vitamin D status is relatively poor in the general population, potentially leading to various conditions. The present study evaluates the relationship between vitamin D status and intake in the UK population and the impact of vitamin D fortified ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) on this status via data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS: 2008–2012). Four cohorts were addressed: ages 4–10 (n = 803), ages 11–18 (n = 884), ages 19–64 (n = 1655) and ages 65 and higher (n = 428). The impact of fortification by 4.2 μg vitamin D per 100 g of RTEC on vitamin D intake and status was mathematically modelled. Average vitamin D daily intake was age-dependent, ranging from ~2.6 (age range 4–18 years) to ~5.0 μg (older than 64 years). Average 25(OH)D concentration ranged from 43 to 51 nmol/L, the highest in children. The relationship between vitamin D intake and status followed an asymptotic curve with a predicted plateau concentration ranging from 52 in children to 83 nmol/L in elderly. The fortification model showed that serum concentrations increased with ~1.0 in children to ~6.5 nmol/L in the elderly. This study revealed that vitamin D intake in the UK population is low with 25(OH)D concentrations being suboptimal for general health. Fortification of breakfast cereals can contribute to improve overall vitamin D status.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-60
Author(s):  
J.L. Buttriss ◽  
S.A. Lanham-New ◽  
S. Steenson ◽  
L. Levy ◽  
G.E. Swan ◽  
...  

Abstract A multi-disciplinary expert group met to discuss vitamin D deficiency in the UK, and strategies for improving population intakes and status. Changes to UK Government advice since the 1st Rank Forum on Vitamin D (2009) were discussed, including rationale for setting a RNI (10µg/day;400IU/day) for adults and children (4+ years). Current UK data show inadequate intakes among all age groups, and high prevalence of low vitamin D status among specific groups (e.g. pregnant women and adolescent males/females). Evidence of widespread deficiency within some minority ethnic groups, resulting in nutritional rickets (particularly among Black and South Asian infants), raised particular concern. It is too early to establish whether population vitamin D status has altered since Government recommendations changed in 2016. Vitamin D food fortification was discussed as a potential strategy to increase population intakes. Data from dose-response and dietary modelling studies indicate dairy products, bread, hens’ eggs and some meats as potential fortification vehicles. Vitamin D3 appears more effective than vitamin D2 for raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, which has implications for choice of fortificant. Other considerations for successful fortification strategies include: i) need for ‘real-world’ cost information for use in modelling work; ii) supportive food legislation; iii) improved consumer and health professional understanding of vitamin D’s importance; iv) clinical consequences of inadequate vitamin D status; v) consistent communication of Government advice across health/social care professions, and via the food industry. These areas urgently require further research to enable universal improvement in vitamin D intakes and status in the UK population.


2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822098256
Author(s):  
Anderson Gomes Marin ◽  
Raphael de Rezende Pratali ◽  
Samuel Machado Marin ◽  
Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva Herrero

Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of a patient sample that underwent spinal surgery regarding their nutritional and vitamin D status. Methods: Serum albumin and vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels were measured in patients with different spinal surgical approaches and various pathologies at a single institution. 112 patients were retrospectively identified for inclusion and stratified by age into 4 age groups and by pathology. The nutritional status of the patients was classified in vitamin D inadequacy (< 30ng/mL), vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL), and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5g/dL). Data was analyzed comparing vitamin D, and albumin means considering gender, age group, and pathologies. Results: Twenty-eight (25.2%) patients had hypoalbuminemia. There was no difference between gender (p = 0.988); there was a significant decrease in albumin concentration increasing the age (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in patients with trauma, tumor and infection than in those patients with degenerative and deformity diseases (p = 0.003). The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was 33.7%, and that of deficiency was 62.2%, while severe deficiency (< 10 ng/mL) in 16.3%. The vitamin D concentration was significantly different among the pathologies (P = 0.047), the lower concentration occurring in patients with tumor. Conclusion: Older patients, as well as patients with tumor and infectious pathologies, seem to have a higher prevalence of hypoalbuminemia, inferring malnutrition. There was a low epidemic level of vitamin D concentration, almost all patients presenting some degree of hypovitaminosis D, independent of age, gender and nutritional status.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidya Lakshmi Purushothaman ◽  
Raphael E. Cuomo ◽  
Cedric F. Garland ◽  
Timothy K. Mackey

Abstract Background Vitamin D has been identified as a potential protective factor in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). We expect to see a stronger association of ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and CRC crude rates with increasing age since chronic vitamin D deficiency leads to sustained molecular changes that increase cancer risk. The DINOMIT (disjunction, initiation, natural selection, overgrowth, metastasis, involution, and transition) model postulates various stages of cancer development due to vitamin D deficiency and the associated latency period. The purpose of this study is to examine this age-dependent inverse relationship globally. Methods In this ecological study, a series of linear and polynomial regression tests were performed between country-specific UVB estimates adjusted for cloud cover and crude incidence rates of CRC for different age groups. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association between crude incidence rates of colorectal cancer and UVB estimate adjusting for urbanization, skin pigmentation, smoking, animal consumption, per capita GDP, and life expectancy. Statistical analysis was followed by geospatial visualization by producing choropleth maps. Results The inverse relationship between UVB exposure and CRC crude rates was stronger in older age groups at the country level. Quadratic curve fitting was preferred, and these models were statistically significant for all age groups. The inverse association between crude incidence rates of CRC and UVB exposure was statistically significant for age groups above 45 years, after controlling for covariates. Conclusion The age-dependent inverse association between UVB exposure and incidence of colorectal cancer exhibits a greater effect size among older age groups in global analyses. Studying the effect of chronic vitamin D deficiency on colorectal cancer etiology will help in understanding the necessity for population-wide screening programs for vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with inadequate UVB exposure. Further studies are required to assess the need for adequate public health programs such as selective supplementation and food fortification.


Author(s):  
B. E. Oortgiesen ◽  
J. A. Kroes ◽  
P. Scholtens ◽  
J. Hoogland ◽  
P. Dannenberg - de Keijzer ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is common in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We hypothesized that the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and PN described in diabetes mellitus patients may also be present in MM patients. Methods To study this potential association, we assessed the incidence of hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D < 75 nmol/L [= 30 ng/mL]) in smouldering and active MM patients in two Dutch hospitals. Furthermore, a validated questionnaire was used to distinguish different PN grades. Results Of the 120 patients included between January 2017 and August 2018, 84% had an inadequate vitamin D level (median vitamin D level 49.5 nmol/L [IQR 34–65 nmol/L]; mean age: 68 years [SD ± 7.7]; males: 58%). PN was reported by 69% of patients (n = 83); however, of these 83 patients, PN was not documented in the medical records of 52%. An association was found between lower vitamin D levels and higher incidence of PN in the total population (P = 0.035), and in the active MM patients (P = 0.016). Conclusion This multi-centre cohort study showed that PN and hypovitaminosis D are common in MM patients, and addressing low vitamin D levels in the treatment of MM patients might be beneficial in reducing the risk of PN. More attention for PN is warranted, as PN is underreported by clinicians. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of vitamin D in the development of PN in patients with MM. Clinical trial registration Netherland Trial Register NL5835, date of registration July 28, 2016


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gehan Elolemy ◽  
Waleed Hassan ◽  
Mohamed Nasr ◽  
Eman Baraka

Objectives: was to assess the frequency of hypovitaminosis D in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to healthy controls and to evaluate its association with disease activity, structural damage and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: Serum 25(OH) D in 30 AS male patients was compared to 30 matched healthy controls. AS disease activity was assessed using AS Disease Activity Score and C - reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP). Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) were used to assess the functional impairment and the spinal mobility respectively. Radiological damage was scored according to modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS) and BMD was measured in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D levels in AS patients were significantly lower compared to healthy controls (27.73 ± 14.27 vs. 38.46 ± 8.11ng/ml, P <0.001). Among the patients, 60% exhibited hypovitaminosis D. AS patients with hypovitaminosis D had significantly higher ASDAS-CRP (p<0.001), BASFAI (p=0.0003) and mSASSS (p=0.04) scores. Additionally, BMD and Z scores at lumbar and femoral sites were significantly reduced in the patients with hypovitaminosis D (P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D was positively correlated with BMD (lumbar and femoral; p=0.002 and p=0.01 respectively) and Z scores (lumbar and femoral; p<0.001and p=0.01 respectively), whereas, negatively correlated with ASDAS-CRP (p<0.001), BASFI (p<0.001), mSASSS (p=0.003). ASDAS -CRP was the only significant predictor of hypovitaminosis D in AS patients. Conclusions: hypovitaminosis D is prevalent among AS patients and is associated with increased risk of active disease, impaired function, radiographic severity and bone mineral loss. Future studies with larger sample size are recommended to assess the impact of vitamin D deficiency on radiological progression in AS and to address whether or not vitamin D supplementation will help control active disease.


2008 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan A. Lanham-New

Throughout the life cycle the skeleton requires optimum development and maintenance of its integrity to prevent fracture. Bones break because the loads placed on them exceed the ability of the bone to absorb the energy involved. It is now estimated that one in three women and one in twelve men aged >55 years will suffer from osteoporosis in their lifetime and at a cost in the UK of >£1·7×109 per year. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is multifactorial. Both the development of peak bone mass and the rate of bone loss are determined by key endogenous and exogenous factors. Ca supplements appear to be effective in reducing bone loss in women late post menopause (>5 years post menopause), particularly in those with low habitual Ca intake (<400 mg/d). In women early post menopause (<5 years post menopause) who are not vitamin D deficient, Ca supplementation has little effect on bone mineral density. However, supplementation with vitamin D and Ca has been shown to reduce fracture rates in the institutionalised elderly, but there remains controversy as to whether supplementation is effective in reducing fracture in free-living populations. Re-defining vitamin D requirements in the UK is needed since there is evidence of extensive hypovitaminosis D in the UK. Low vitamin D status is associated with an increased risk of falling and a variety of other health outcomes and is an area that requires urgent attention. The role of other micronutrients on bone remains to be fully defined, although there are promising data in the literature for a clear link between vitamin K nutrition and skeletal integrity, including fracture reduction.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1180
Author(s):  
Tinevimbo Shiri ◽  
Marc Evans ◽  
Carla A. Talarico ◽  
Angharad R. Morgan ◽  
Maaz Mussad ◽  
...  

Debate persists around the risk–benefit balance of vaccinating adolescents and children against COVID-19. Central to this debate is quantifying the contribution of adolescents and children to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and the potential impact of vaccinating these age groups. In this study, we present a novel SEIR mathematical disease transmission model that quantifies the impact of different vaccination strategies on population-level SARS-CoV-2 infections and clinical outcomes. The model employs both age- and time-dependent social mixing patterns to capture the impact of changes in restrictions. The model was used to assess the impact of vaccinating adolescents and children on the natural history of the COVID-19 pandemic across all age groups, using the UK as an example. The base case model demonstrates significant increases in COVID-19 disease burden in the UK following a relaxation of restrictions, if vaccines are limited to those ≥18 years and vulnerable adolescents (≥12 years). Including adolescents and children in the vaccination program could reduce overall COVID-related mortality by 57%, and reduce cases of long COVID by 75%. This study demonstrates that vaccinating adolescents and children has the potential to play a vital role in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infections, and subsequent COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, across all ages. Our results have major global public health implications and provide valuable information to inform a potential pandemic exit strategy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 617-622
Author(s):  
Kavitha Durairaj ◽  
Muthulakshmi M ◽  
Venkataraman P ◽  
Murali R ◽  
Rukumani J ◽  
...  

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient factor in the healthiness of the mother and infant. Vitamin D is mainly amalgamated in the skin following exposure to ultraviolet B radiation. Insufficiency of vitamin D in Pregnancy had been related to various sicknesses, such as respiratory infection, type 1 diabetes mellitus, high risk of childhood wheezing. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of pregestational diabetes in pregnant women referred to antenatal clinics in SRM Medical College hospital, Tamilnadu, India. 200 pregnant women were recruited, and oral glucose challenge test (OGCT), serum calcium and 25(OH) D were determined. Participants were in the age group of 18 to 35 years, with a mean age of 26.29. Among the participants, 59% were multiparous. The present study showed that a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (61.5%) and insufficiency (34%) in pregnant women before supplementation with a mean of 16.84. Vitamin D supplementation during the early weeks of pregnancy might help in the improvement of maternal and child health.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document