New Vitamin D leaflet for health professionals
A new leaflet, Vitamin D: an essential nutrient for all...but
who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency?, has been published to
raise awareness of the risk of Vitamin D deficiency and the
increase in rickets being reported particularly in children.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)’s position
statement on Vitamin D, published in 2008, stated that a
significant proportion of the UK population have low vitamin D
status and are therefore at increased risk of deficiency. This is a
particular concern for pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants,
older people and black and ethnic minority groups.
The leaflet is aimed at health professionals and aims to inform
about the risks of Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences, and
of DH’s recommendations for Vitamin D supplementation for at-risk
groups. In addition to raising the general awareness of the risks
of Vitamin D deficiency, the leaflet will also assist health
professionals in identifying those at risk and inform them of the
ways to prevent Vitamin D deficiency. see www.dh.gov.uk
