The government of Switzerland has released an information leaflet that provides information on vitamin D, as shared by the IADSA. According to the recommendation, people aged 65 and up should take vitamin D supplements amounting to 800 IU every day. This document, being circulated today, was published by the Swiss Federal Food Safety & Veterinary Office (FSVO).

Vitamin D boosts bone and muscle health, and lowers the risk of falls and hip fractures by 30%. It also supports dental, brain and heart health, and your immune system. Taking these daily gives your body additional sources of the vitamin that are normally received from sunlight and a healthy diet.

The brochure also shows an interesting statistic: half of the population lacks the right levels of vitamin D. The body also loses the ability to form vitamin D through the skin by 25% as you grow older.

The recommendation from the Swiss government is well-received by the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) as it is in line with its Mind the Gap campaign. This particular initiative also showcases the benefits of optimal vitamin D intake. It also takes an in-depth look at a successful vitamin D fortification programme done in Finland.

Cynthia Rousselot, IADSA’s Director of Technical & Regulatory Affairs, said: “We are pleased to see that Swiss government recognises the importance of vitamin D and the role supplementation can play in ensuring that people consume enough of this essential nutrient. IADSA will continue to engage with policy makers and other stakeholders worldwide to raise awareness of the role of supplementation in increasing levels of health and wellbeing.”