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Vitamin D: do we get enough? A discussion between vitamin D experts in order to make a step towards the harmonisation of dietary reference intakes for vitamin D across Europe.
Brouwer-Brolsma, EM, Bischoff-Ferrari, HA, Bouillon, R, Feskens, EJ, Gallagher, CJ, Hypponen, E, Llewellyn, DJ, Stoecklin, E, Dierkes, J, Kies, AK, et al
Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA. 2013;(5):1567-77
Abstract
UNLABELLED On September 29, 2011, acknowledged experts in the field of vitamin D, mainly European, were brought together in order to discuss the recent scientific advances in relation to vitamin D: the current requirements and associations with various health outcomes. In this article, the discussions resulting from the meeting are summarized. INTRODUCTION Several groups at risk for developing vitamin D insufficiency have been identified. Accordingly, reviews indicate that a significant percentage of the population worldwide have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l. In addition to the role of vitamin D in bone health, recent studies suggest that it may play a pivotal role in other systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system, pancreas, muscle, immune system and brain. Most evidence, however, is obtained from observational studies and yet inconclusive. METHODS To exchange and broaden knowledge on the requirements for vitamin D and its effect on various health outcomes, a workshop entitled "Vitamin D Expert Meeting: Do we get enough?", was organized. RESULTS Despite low vitamin D levels worldwide, consensus on the definition of deficiency is not yet reached. In order to define cut-off points for vitamin D whilst taking into account extraskeletal health effects, randomized controlled trials in these fields are warranted. The experts do emphasize that there is evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in the maintenance of optimal bone health at all ages and that vitamin D supplementation, in most studies co-administered with calcium, reduces fracture risk in the senior population. CONCLUSION To reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 nmol/l older adults aged ≥65 years are therefore recommended to meet a mean daily vitamin D intake of 20 μg (800 IU), which is best achieved with a supplement.
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Current level of consensus on probiotic science--report of an expert meeting--London, 23 November 2009.
Rowland, I, Capurso, L, Collins, K, Cummings, J, Delzenne, N, Goulet, O, Guarner, F, Marteau, P, Meier, R
Gut microbes. 2010;(6):436-9
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Abstract
The present paper summarizes the consensus views of a group of 9 European clinicians and scientists on the current state of scientific knowledge on probiotics, covering those areas where there is substantial evidence for beneficial effects and those where the evidence base is poor or inconsistent. There was general agreement that probiotic effects were species and often strain specific. The experts agreed that some probiotics were effective in reducing the incidence and duration of rotavirus diarrhoea in infants, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in adults and, for certain probiotics, Clostridium difficile infections. Some probiotics are associated with symptomatic improvements in irritable bowel syndrome and alleviation of digestive discomfort. Probiotics can reduce the frequency and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants and have been shown to regulate intestinal immunity. Several other clinical effects of probiotics, including their role in inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, respiratory or genito-urinary infections or H.pylori adjuvant treatment were thought promising but inconsistent.
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Challenges in harmonizing energy and nutrient recommendations in Europe.
Pavlovic, M, Prentice, A, Thorsdottir, I, Wolfram, G, Branca, F
Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2007;(2):108-14
Abstract
At the present time, there is considerable diversity in the dietary reference values and recommendations used across Europe, both in terms of terminology and guideline values. Harmonization of dietary reference values would be beneficial in simplifying nutritional policy, trade, and public understanding of diet and health issues. However, this is not a simple task because of the differences in methodological approaches adopted and the assumptions made. In addition, there are genuine differences in diet, lifestyle and geography that may necessitate retaining variation in some dietary reference values between European nations. The complexities of harmonization were discussed at a recent symposium held under the auspices of the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS). This provided overviews of the different terminologies currently in use, of the variations in reference values for children and adolescents, and of the disparities between different groups of countries in Europe. The symposium hosted by FENS provided a forum to exchange views and to consider the steps that will be needed if harmonization is to be realized in the future. A summary of the presentations and conclusions is presented here.
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Diet and oral health.
König, KG
International dental journal. 2000;(3):162-74
Abstract
This review paper looks at the effects of diet on oral health and is concerned mainly with the effects of localised attacks on the dental hard tissues. In analysing the epidemiological evidence, the paper draws distinctions between the rates of diseases entities in developed and developing countries. The author concludes that oral health risks do not necessitate dietary recommendations in addition to, or other than, those required for maintenance of general health. The paper indicates an increasing need for evidence-based, individual tailor-made counselling and for specific programmes directed towards defined, high-risk groups or populations whose oral health problems have been carefully studied and identified.