Contribution of nutrition science to the vitamin D field—Clarity or confusion?. Issue 187 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cashman, Kevin D.; Kiely, Mairead
• Is Part Of: Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology. Issue 187(2019)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: 25(OH)D 25-hydroxyvitamin D -- EAR Estimated Average Requirement -- IOM Institute of Medicine -- LMICs low and lower-middle income countries -- ODIN European Commission funded integrated project 'Food-based solutions for optimal vitamin D nutrition and health through the life cycle' www.odinvitd.eu -- RCTs randomised controlled trials -- SLR systematic literature review -- WHO World Health Organisation; Vitamin D deficiency -- Vitamin D nutrition research -- Dietary recommendations for vitamin D -- Vitamin D policy -- Implementation; Steroid hormones -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Hormones stéroïdes -- Périodiques; Steroid hormones; Periodicals; 572.579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.10.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-0760

Abstract

Highlights: We objectively considered whether vitamin D nutrition research is fit for purpose?. Cutting-edge research approaches have underpinned dietary vitamin D recommendations. Vitamin D nutrition research can and does inform public policy to good effect. Implementation of knowledge from nutrition research is critical in tackling vitamin D deficiency. Real world progress in tackling vitamin D deficiency requires increased implementation. Abstract: Recent opinion pieces have questioned whether nutrition science is fit for purpose, suggesting that the evidence-base for dietary recommendations is populated with poor quality science and unresolved controversy. Nutrition science is accused of not keeping up with the times and making little real-world progress to stem the growing global malnutrition crisis, by failing to apply cutting-edge techniques to nutrition problems. Nutritional epidemiology has been blamed for harming public health nutrition and the public perception of science itself, by selectively reporting biased, confounded data. Focussed on obesity and associated disorders and hunger, these articles do not refer to micronutrient deficiencies or advances in micronutrient research. There is a serious public health problem of low vitamin D status. Given that the field of vitamin D has experienced an exponential increase in peer-reviewed publications over the last 50 years, it seems timely that we take these cues to reflect upon whether the expanded body of scientific literature has contributed to a deeper knowledge of vitamin D in health and disease, leading to improved nutrition policy and patient care, or whether it has led to so much confusion and controversy that progress has been impeded. We consider whether the accusations of poor science and biased reporting levelled at nutrition science are evident within the vitamin D nutrition research area and whether they have compromised dietary recommendations for vitamin D. In evaluating whether reformation is required, we discuss the confusion and controversy within the field and signpost common ground within the vitamin D community. We outline vitamin D nutrition research that has presented strategies for vitamin D deficiency prevention within the population, particularly using food first approaches that could extend beyond high income settings to low- and middle-income countries. Finally, we encourage government and industry to implement technical advances and drive real-world progress.