Vitamin D deficiency maps highlight serious bone health issue for older people

First findings of new vitamin D deficiency maps launched by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) reveal that older people across Europe are not getting enough vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, and which helps to prevent falls and fractures linked to osteoporosis. The maps reveal that in every European country analyzed to date, vitamin D levels are classified as 'insufficient' or 'inadequate' amongst older people1. In the European Union, someone has a fracture as a result of osteoporosis every 30 seconds, and with an ageing population, the yearly incidence of hip fracture alone in the EU is expected to more than double over the next decade.

Global research for 17 countries in Europe extrapolates potential cost savings to healthcare systems of up to € 187 billion if the problem of vitamin D deficiency is addressed.* Vitamin D improves bone mineral density, which lowers risks of fracture, whilst also improving muscle strength, balance and leg function. Natural production of vitamin D through sunlight decreases with age, and it is very difficult to achieve sufficient vitamin D through diet alone, which is why older people are particularly at risk.

The IOF and project partner DSM, support an increase in recommended vitamin D intake levels in Europe. They jointly call for evidence-based proposals of 1,000-2,000 IU per day2, especially for risk groups such as the elderly and post menopausal women. They have also launched a joint 'call to action' together with other patient alliances, which urge Europe's health care decision makers to recognise the vital role of micronutrients in preventive health.

Prof. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, DrPH, Director Centre on Aging and Mobility, University of Zurich commented: "Vitamin D supplementation offers an effective, inexpensive and safe public health strategy to reduce 20% of falls and fractures, including those at the hip, in a growing senior segment of the European population. This is an enormous public health benefit we could implement now."

Dr Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice President Nutrition Science & Advocacy DSM commented: "There is clear evidence of a vitamin D deficiency gap in Europe especially amongst older people, and we are urging policymakers to take action to close this gap, by recognizing the important role of vitamin D in preventive health."

Judy Stenmark, COO of the International Osteoporosis Foundation commented: "These new maps are a vital tool in helping us understand the scale of vitamin D deficiency. With Europe's growing ageing population the simple message to increase vitamin D intake can make a dramatic difference to people's health outcomes and quality of life, as well as potentially reduce a huge disease burden on healthcare systems worldwide." Mary Honeyball MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Osteoporosis group added: "Osteoporosis is a major public health problem, with enormous social and economic impact, and yet it is frequently low on the list of healthcare priorities. As policymakers, we all have to start waking up to the importance of prevention, and look at the important role that good nutrition can play in stopping this problem in its tracks."

Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation