Intake of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Belgian Population: Adequacy and Contribution of Foods, Fortified Foods and Supplements

Abstract

A key challenge of public health nutrition is to provide the majority of the population with a sufficient level of micronutrients while preventing high-consumers from exceeding the tolerable upper intake level. Data of the 2014 Belgian food consumption survey (n = 3200) were used to assess fat-soluble vitamin (vitamins A, D, E and K) intake from the consumption of foods, fortified foods and supplements. This study revealed inadequate intakes for vitamin A, from all sources, in the entire Belgian population and possible inadequacies for vitamin D. The prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin A was lowest in children aged 3–6 (6–7%) and highest in adolescents (girls, 26%; boys, 34–37%). Except for women aged 60–64 years, more than 95% of the subjects had vitamin D intake from all sources below the adequate intake (AI) of 15 μg/day. The risk for inadequate intake of vitamins K and E was low (median > AI). Belgian fortification and supplementation practices are currently inadequate to eradicate suboptimal intakes of vitamins A and D, but increase median vitamin E intake close to the adequate intake. For vitamin A, a small proportion (1–4%) of young children were at risk of exceeding the upper intake level (UL), while for vitamin D, inclusion of supplements slightly increased the risk for excessive intakes (% > UL) in adult women and young children. The results may guide health authorities when developing population health interventions and regulations to ensure adequate intake of fat-soluble vitamins in Belgium.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with factors associated with recurrent wheezing

“…Although in the present study vitamin D concentrations were not associated with exacerbations, as assessed on the basis of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and oral corticosteroid use, many studies have indicated such an association. 19 , 20 …”

Dietary Intake of Vitamin D in the Czech Population: A Comparison with Dietary Reference Values, Main Food Sources Identified by a Total Diet Study

“…The mean intakes ranged in children and adolescents (4–17 years) from 1.5 to 4.8 μg/day, and in adults from 0.8 to 6 μg/day [27]. The most recent data from a Spanish study (ANIBES) showed the total mean intake of vitamin D in the population was 4.4 ± 0.1 μg/day [28], and a similar Belgian study (VITADEK) showed the mean intake of vitamin D from natural and fortified foods (without supplements) was 3.37–4.41 μg/day in men aged 3–64 years and 3.18–3.48 μg/day in women aged 3–64 years [29]. …”

Do Current Fortification and Supplementation Programs Assure Adequate Intake of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Belgian Infants, Toddlers, Pregnant Women, and Lactating Women?

“…After an extensive literature review, dietary intake data on vitamins A, D, E, and K in Belgian infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and lactating women was found to be limited. Nevertheless, Belgian dietary studies in young children (2.5–6 years) and women of reproductive age revealed inadequate vitamin A and D intake [ 11 , 16 ]. Inadequate consumption was related to unbalanced food consumption and unsatisfactory supplement compliance [ 16 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, Belgian dietary studies in young children (2.5–6 years) and women of reproductive age revealed inadequate vitamin A and D intake [ 11 , 16 ]. Inadequate consumption was related to unbalanced food consumption and unsatisfactory supplement compliance [ 16 ]. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D) is a biomarker for vitamin D status and reflects the availability of vitamin D in the body from both dietary and endogenous sources [ 8 ].…”