The SACN reviewed the evidence on vitamin D and health to see if UK dietary recommendations, set in 1991, were still appropriate. In a change to previous advice, SACN is now recommending:
• a reference nutrient intake (RNI) of 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day, throughout the year, for everyone in the general population aged 4 years and older
• an RNI of 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day for pregnant and lactating women and population groups at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency
• a ‘safe intake’ of 8.5 to 10 micrograms per day for all infants from birth to 1 year of age
• a ‘safe intake’ of 10 micrograms per day for children aged 1 to 4 years
The RNI and safe intakes were developed to ensure that the majority of the UK population has enough vitamin D to protect musculoskeletal health, all year round. They refer to intake from all dietary sources (natural food sources, fortified foods [including infant formula milk], and supplements).