Vitamin D Levels Improving in the Netherlands, Further Research Needed
Recent research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates an betterment in vitamin D status among the Dutch population between March 2011 and March 2023. The study, conducted by the RIVM (National institute for Public Health and the Surroundings) using data from the Lifelines cohort - a long-term health study following participants in groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe - reveals that vitamin D deficiency is becoming less prevalent, notably during the summer months.
Data from 2011 showed summer vitamin D deficiency rates declining to between 0-5% due to increased sunlight exposure, and researchers anticipate this trend continued through 2023. Though, the health consequences of a temporary, annual vitamin D deficiency during the winter remain unclear.
The study also found that, as of March 2023, women over 50 and men over 70 exhibited the highest vitamin D levels in their blood.This may be linked to current supplementation advice from the Health council, which recommends vitamin D supplements for these groups, a advice updated in 2012.While the data doesn’t confirm adherence to this advice, the Latest Food Consumption Survey (VCP) shows women are more likely to use supplements than men, possibly contributing to the observed difference in vitamin D status.
Currently, the Health Council advises vitamin D supplementation for specific groups, including those mentioned above. The RIVM is now undertaking further research, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), to assess vitamin D status in other at-risk groups, such as pregnant women and individuals with darker skin tones.
Future research will also focus on identifying the factors contributing to the observed increase in vitamin D levels sence 2011, including supplement use and sunlight exposure. The combined findings from these studies may inform potential adjustments to national policy and public health messaging regarding vitamin D intake.
