The Swiss government now recommends that citizens over the age of 65 take a daily vitamin D supplement. The recommendation is included in a new health flyer published by the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), which recommends a supplemental daily dose of vitamin D of 800 IU for this age group. The news was shared by the International Alliance of Food/Dietary Supplements Associations (IADSA; London), whose recently initiated “mind the gap” education campaign focuses on spreading awareness of vitamin D deficiency.
The FSVO brochure explains to the public why vitamin D supplementation is necessary. It highlights the benefits of vitamin D for bone and muscle health and for reducing falls and hip fractures, and describes additional benefits for dental health, the immune system, brain health and heart health. He points out that it is difficult to obtain adequate amounts of vitamin D from diet or exposure to sunlight alone, noting that half of the Swiss population lacks adequate levels of vitamin D and that aging slows down the production of vitamin D to through the skin.
On the news, Cynthia Rousselot, director of technical and regulatory affairs at IADSA, commented in a press release: “We are pleased to see that the Swiss government recognizes the importance of vitamin D and the role that supplements can play in ensuring that people get enough of this vitamin. essential nutrient. IADSA will continue to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders around the world to raise awareness of the role of supplementation in increasing levels of health and wellness.”
