Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 24 May 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 June 2018 (named day). It was answered by Steve Brine (Conservative) on Monday, 4 June 2018 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the revised advice issued by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition in July 2016 on vitamin D, for what reasons Public Health England limited the application of the advice to autumn and winter only; what steps he has taken to monitor the effect of that change in the advice on the health of the population; what steps have been taken to make the public aware of that advice; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

Public Health England advice on vitamin D supplements recognises that in spring and summer, the majority of the population get enough vitamin D through sunlight on the skin and a healthy, balanced diet. The advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition was unable to take account of skin synthesis of vitamin D.

During autumn and winter everyone will need to rely on dietary sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D intake and status is measured through the United Kingdom National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme.

Clear advice to the public continues to be communicated via the NHS Choices website at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced guidance on increasing vitamin D supplement use among population groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is available at the following link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph56

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
147853
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Health Weather NHS England Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition Vitamin D
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk