A commentary from Fredy Dawsun, December 23, 2010

Doctor Manfred Egersdorgfen, a senior vice president at  DSM Nutritional products made a statement for  Food Manufacture magazine that vitamin D deficiency is a common issue amongst the population of the European Union even in countries with established healthy habits when it comes to eating. The low intake of vitamin D may cause a decrease in bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis. 

Consuming dairy products enriched with vitamin D, such as yogurt-based drinks, is one of the best ways to provide your body with enough levels of this vitamin, according to doctor Egersdorfen. There is still insuficient production and supply of such products on the EU market. Scandinavian countries are an exception where vitamin D intake is recommended by the authorities. 

Great Britain suffers from a low intake of vitamin D

Doctor Egersdorfen claims that in Great Britain the intake of vitamin D is still too low compared to the recommended daily dose by the American Medical Institute. The establishment has done various research and has studied children, the elderly, as well as minorities. 

Ayela Sprio, a senior научен сътрудник по храните at the Council of dairy products states that there are some vitamin D-enriched products on the Irish market. However, such lack in Great Britain where one can easily find vitamin D-enriched cereals.

In addition, she believes that there is tendency in the EU towards inceasing the recommendations of consumption of vitamin D-enriched foods.  

In March 2010 the European parliament discussed the consequences of vitamin D deficiency. After the recommended daily dose has been increased by the  American Medical Institutel, doctor Egersdorfen hopes that the European Food Safety Association (EFSA) will also issue its recommendations for the EU. This will likely lead to a greater demand for vitamin D-enriched foods. 

DSM Nutritional products along with the International osteoporosis foundation is developing an interactive map of all the regions of the world where local population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. The map's goal is to serve as an educational and informative source for all parties involved in the issue – the general public and politicians.