Many multivitamins for children ‘do not contain UK’s recommended vitamin D dose’
A study of vitamin and mineral consumption conducted by the IHTA last year found that more than 71 per cent of respondents purchased health vitamins and minerals.Almost one-quarter of those purchasing vitamins and minerals did so to “support children’s normal development”, the study revealed., consultant dermatologist at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology, London, said patients regularly ask GPs about their vitamin D levels and request testing.
Vitamin D toxicity is rare and only occurs if individuals take high doses of vitamin D for long periods of time, she added. “We have recently completed a very comprehensive audit of all food staples typically fortified with micronutrients for sales in the supermarkets with the leading market share in Ireland. Vitamin D appears to be added to a fairly wide range of products.”Individuals should eat foods rich in vitamin D or take a supplement that contains vitamin D, especially during autumn and winter, theAn FSAI spokeswoman said food needs to provide 200IU of vitamin D daily for everyone aged five and over.