and deposit it in the bone. A deficiency in Vitamin D
can cause a softening of the bone. Rickets in children
and osteomalacia in adults are examples of extreme
vitamin D deficiency. Osteoporosis is an example of
long-term low levels of vitamin D.
Similar to calcium, thereare several factors that
affect the required intake of Vitamin D, including
exposure to sunlight and dietary intake. The Recom-
mended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults was set
in 1941 at 400 international units (IU) or 10 micro-
gram (mcg) per day. This was the amount of vitamin
D in a teaspoon of cod liver oil found to prevent
rickets in infants. This RDA remained around this
level until the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
released new guidelines in 1997. The new adequate
intake (AI) was based on Vitamin D intakes required
to achieve an optimal bloodlevel of Vitamin D, 25-
hydroxyvitamin D, in the absence of sun exposure.
Results suggested a level of at least 500 IU (12.5 mcg)
from which an RDA could be set. As there is still no
agreed definition of optimum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
status, dietary Vitamin D recommendations vary
from country to country.
Adequate intakes for vitamin D, in the US and
Canada (2007), range from 200 IU (5 mcg) for 0 to 50
years, 400 IU (10 mcg) for 51 to 70 years and 600 IU
(15 mcg) for over 70 years.
In the UK, Government’s Committee on Medical
Aspects of Food Policy Panel on Dietary Reference
Values says ‘‘No dietary intake (of Vitamin D) is nec-
essary for adults living a normal lifestyle.’’ However,
children up to the age of two years are recommended to
receive a supplement containing 280 IU (7mcg) of vita-
min D daily. Pregnant and lactating women and those
age 65 and over are advised to take 400 IU (10 mcg).KEY TERMS
Adequate intake (AI)—If insufficient data exists to
determine the RDA, then an Adequate Intake or AI is
given, which has a greater uncertainty than an RDA.
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
(DASH)—Study in 1997 that showed a diet rich in
fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods, with
reduced saturated and total fat can substantially
lower blood pressure.
Food fortification—The public health policy of add-
ing essential trace elements and vitamins to food-
stuffs to ensure that minimum dietary requirements
are met.
Hydroxylapatite—The main mineral component of
bone, of which Zinc is a constituent.
International Osteoporosis Federation (IOF)—
Based in Switzerland it functions as a global alliance
of patient, medical and research societies, scientists,
health care professionals, and international compa-
nies concerned about bone health. Its aim is to
develop a world wide strategy for the management
and prevention of osteoporosis.
Lactose Intolerance—Is the condition in which lac-
tase, an enzyme for the digestion of lactose, the major
sugar found in milk, is not produced. Abdominal bloat-
ing, stomach ache and diarrhea are symptoms.
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF)—The
USA’s leading voluntary health organization solely
dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health.National Osteoporosis Society (NOS)—The only
UK national charity dedicated to eradicating osteo-
porosis and promoting bone health in both men and
women.
Osteocalcin—The second most abundant protein in
bone after collagen required for bone
mineralization.
Osteomalacia—The softening of the bones in adults
caused by Vitamin D deficiency
Osteoporosis—Disease of the bone in which bone
mineral density is reduced. Osteoporotic bones are
more at risk of fracture.
Peak bone mass—The highest level of bone strength
generally reached in the mid 20’s.
Pulses—Peas, beans and lentils are collectively
known as pulses. The term is reserved for crops
harvested solely for the dry grain, so excludes green
beans and green peas.
Recommended dietary allowances (RDA)—The
average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient
to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all
(approximately 98 percent) healthy individuals/
Rickets—The softening of the bones in children lead-
ing to fractures and deformity, caused by Vitamin D
deficiency.
Vegan—A vegetarian who excludes all animal prod-
ucts from the diet.Osteoporosis diet