Vitamin D and calcium are important for normal bone structure and function. Recent data have demonstrated that vitamin D is also essential for muscle health, and vitamin D deficiency has been shown to increase fracture risk and falls. In addition, epidemiological evidence suggests that vitamin D sufficiency plays a role in the prevention of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, certain cancers, in-fections of the upper respiratory tract, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Therefore, vitamin D deficiency occurs frequently in all sections of the population. Particularly vulnerable are children below age 3 years, dark-skinned people, women who are pregnant, are breastfeeding or wear a veil, and senior adults age 60 years and older. With age skin production of vitamin D is reduced, and immobile seniors not leaving their homes belong to the highest risk group.
The present report on “Vitamin D deficiency: Evidence, safety, and recommendations for the Swiss population” has been written by experts in the field of vitamin D upon request of the Federal Office of Public Health and the Federal Commission for Nutrition (FCN). It serves to the Federal Office of Health as a basis for updated recommendations on vitamin D intake in Switzerland.
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In January 2014 the Federal Veterinary Office (FVO) and the Division of the Food security of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) formed the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO). Consequently, the reports were published in the name of the FOPH, but are no longer under its responsibility.
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Last modification 14.05.2021
