Question reference: S6W-01254
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 6 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 26 July 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether 4,000 IU (100 mcg) of Vitamin D is an advisable daily dose for adults.
Answer
In terms of daily dosage amounts, our advice is a supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D (400 IU). This applies to adults and children over one year of age. Ten micrograms per day is the average amount needed by the majority (97.5%) of the population to maintain adequate vitamin D levels when UVB sunlight exposure is minimal. This is to maintain bone and muscle health and is based on the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), as set out in its 2016 report Vitamin D and Health. SACN advises all devolved nations and UK Government on nutrition related matters.
The report is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-vitamin-d-and-health-report
Further information on our current advice on vitamin D is available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/vitamin-d-advice-for-all-age-groups/
SACN published an updated rapid review on Vitamin D and acute respiratory tractinfections on 17 December 2020. SACN recommended the reference nutrient intake for vitamin D remain unchanged at 10 micrograms per day.
The rapid review is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-rapid-review-vitamin-d-and-acute-respiratory-tract-infections
We currently have no plans to revise our advice on vitamin D supplementation. We will continue to be guided by SACN as the evidence on vitamin D develops.