Vitamin D status of Irish adults: findings from the National Adult Nutrition Survey

Previous national nutrition surveys in Irish adults did not include blood samples; thus, representative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) data are lacking. In the present study, we characterised serum 25(OH) D concentrations in Irish adults from the recent National Adult Nutrition Survey, and determined the impact of vitamin D supplement use and season on serum 25(OH) D concentrations. Of the total representative sample (n 1500, aged 18+ years), blood samples were available for 1132 adults. Serum 25(OH) D was measured via immunoassay. Vitamin D-containing supplement use was assessed by questionnaire and food diary. Concentrations of serum 25(OH) D were compared by season and in supplement users and non-users. Year-round prevalence rates for serum 25(OH) D concentration <30, <40, <50 and <75 nmol/l were 6.7, 21.9, 40.1 and 75.6 %, respectively (11.1, 31.1, 55.0 and 84.0% in winter, respectively). Supplement users had significantly higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to non-users. However, 7.5% of users had winter serum 25(OH) D,30 nmol/l. Only 1.3% had serum 25(OH)D concentrations >125 nmol/l. These first nationally representative serum 25(OH) D data for Irish adults show that while only 6.7% had serum 25(OH)D <30 nmol/l (vitamin D deficiency) throughout the year, 40.1% had levels considered by the Institute of Medicine as being inadequate for bone health. These prevalence estimates were much higher during winter time. While vitamin D supplement use has benefits in terms of vitamin D status, at present rates of usage (17.5% of Irish adults), it will have only very limited impact at a population level. Food-based strategies, including fortified foods, need to be explored.