Written by Editors.
AMERSFOORT – 92% of all Dutch people do not get enough vitamin D. This is evident from a recent further analysis of the Food Consumption Survey. Vitamin D is important, among other things, for maintaining strong bones and teeth. The intake of sufficient vitamin D therefore requires more attention.
The researchers analyzed the nutritional status of the average Dutch person. It showed that almost everyone consumed less than the recommended amount of vitamin D. The research shows that people who use nutritional supplements more often achieve the recommended amount of vitamin D. It also emerged that more than half of the participants did not consume enough calcium, iron and folic acid.
The use of nutritional supplements therefore requires attention. The Health Council has issued supplementation advice for vitamin D for certain population groups. There is advice for children under 4, pregnant women and adults with dark skin. These people should at least use a supplement. The analysis shows that many more people benefit from supplementing with vitamin D.
For this study, data from more than 4,000 adults and children from the RIVM Food Consumption Survey 2012-2016 were examined. The data was collected through food diaries, where the use of nutritional supplements was also queried.
Another option? Vitamin D is also naturally found in oily fish, such as herring, salmon and mackerel. Meat and eggs also provide vitamin D, but less than fatty fish. In the Netherlands, vitamin D is also added to low-fat margarine, margarine and baking and frying products (but not to oil).
