The ODIN project: Development of food‐based approaches for prevention of vitamin D deficiency throughout life. Issue 3 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kiely, M.; Cashman, K. D.; the ODIN Consortium
• Is Part Of: Nutrition bulletin. Volume 40:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-9827

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Vitamin D deficiency has significant implications for human health throughout life and impacts on healthy growth and development and successful ageing. Persistent knowledge gaps are barriers to developing and implementing a safe and effective public health strategy to prevent vitamin D deficiency and maintain nutritional adequacy throughout the year. The European Commission‐funded <italic>ODIN</italic> project (Food‐based solutions for optimal vitamin D nutrition and health through the life cycle) will provide the evidence base to prevent vitamin D deficiency and improve nutrition and public health through food. <italic>ODIN</italic> will deliver the first internationally comparable dataset of vitamin D status and report the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across Europe for the first time. In a series of dose‐response randomised controlled trials, <italic>ODIN</italic> will estimate dietary requirements for vitamin D in pregnant women, children, adolescents and adults of South Asian and East African origin resident in Northern European countries. Using clinically validated, disease‐specific cohorts with standardised 25(OH)D data, <italic>ODIN</italic> will investigate associations between vitamin D status and perinatal outcomes, atopic disease and bone growth in children, and cardiovascular and mortality risk in older adults. We will publish estimates of the distribution of vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D concentration resulting from changes in vitamin D in the food supply, accounting for latitude, sun exposure and diet. Utilising advanced food production systems and targeted animal and human feeding studies, <italic>ODIN</italic> will propose safe, novel and effective food‐based strategies to eradicate vitamin D deficiency that are inclusive, sustainable and affordable.</p> </abstract>