Vitamin D and health in adults in Australia and New Zealand: a position statement.
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varies, with the groups at greatest risk including housebound, community-dwelling older and/or disabled people, those in residential care, dark-skinned people (particularly those modestly dressed), and other people who regularly avoid sun exposure or work indoors.  Most adults are unlikely to obtain more than 5%-10% of their vitamin D requirement from dietary sources. The main source of vitamin D for people residing in Australia and New Zealand is exposure to sunlight.  A serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level of ≥ 50 nmol/L at the end of winter (10-20 nmol/L higher at the end of summer, to allow for seasonal decrease) is required for optimal musculoskeletal health. Although it is likely that higher serum 25-OHD levels play a role in the prevention of some disease states, there is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials to recommend higher targets. For moderately fair-skinned people, a walk with arms exposed for 6-7 minutes mid morning or mid afternoon in summer, and with as much bare skin exposed as feasible for 7-40 minutes (depending on latitude) at noon in winter, on most days, is likely to be helpful in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in the body. When sun exposure is minimal, vitamin D intake from dietary sources and supplementation of at least 600 IU (15 µg) per day for people aged ≤ 70 years and 800 IU (20 µg) per day for those aged > 70 years is recommended. People in high-risk groups may require higher doses. There is good evidence that vitamin D plus calcium supplementation effectively reduces fractures and falls in older men and women.
Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC. caryl.nowson@deakin.edu.au
Caryl A
CA
Nowson
John J
JJ
McGrath
Peter R
PR
Ebeling
Anjali
A
Haikerwal
Robin M
RM
Daly
Kerrie M
KM
Sanders
Markus J
MJ
Seibel
Rebecca S
RS
Mason
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D004032:Diet; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D055108:Sunbathing; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D