Hanoi, Vietnam
11/11/2014
OVERVIEW
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, well known for its role in skeletal health. While Southeast Asian nations are situated near the equator, recent studies in this region have shown that deficiency of this vitamin is highly prevalent across all age groups, particularly in children. At the same time, the growing body of research examining the broader role of vitamin D in health beyond skeletal health has been gaining interest among the health and nutrition community. Currently, there is scientific debate about the optimal requirement level for vitamin D, with some nations revising recommended intake. More research in this area, including on appropriate cut-offs for assessment of vitamin D status, is clearly required. More importantly, awareness of vitamin D deficiency, its health implications and corrective actions need to be raised and addressed in the Southeast Asian region.
OBJECTIVES
This important one-day seminar aimed to:
- Provide an update on the multiple potential health benefits of vitamin D
- Update on status of vitamin D among populations in SE Asia and optimal levels
- Provide an overview of current understanding of the physiological role of vitamin D in human nutrition across the life cycle
- Examine the role and importance of sources of vitamin D – sunlight vs food vs fortification vs supplementation
- Update on issues related to assessment of vitamin D status and discuss the development of recommended intakes for vitamin D
ORGANIZER
CO-ORGANIZER
National Institute of Nutrition Vietnam (NIN)
COLLABORATOR
Vietnam Nutrition Association (VINUTAS)
PROGRAM
The program is available here.
SUMMARY REPORT
The summary report is available here.
PRESENTATIONS
Research Update: Vitamin D and Human Health – Bones and Beyond
Professor Robin Daly, Deakin University, Australia
PDF
Vitamin D Status in Young Children and Women of Reproductive Age in Vietnam (Presentation not available)
A/Professor Le Bach Mai, National Institute of Nutrition, Vietnam
Vitamin D Status and Intakes in the SEA Region
Professor Geok Lin Khor, International Medical University, Malaysia
PDF
Influence of Maternal Vitamin D on Birth Outcomes
Professor Shi-an Yin, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
PDF
Vitamin D and Child Health
Dr. Umaporn Suthutvoravut, Mahidol University, Thailand
PDF
Importance of Vitamin D in Healthy Ageing
Mr. Peter Liu, DSM, Singapore
PDF
Vitamin D and UV Exposure – Benefits vs Risks, Barriers to Exposure and How Much Do We Need?
Professor Robyn Lucas, Telethon Kids Institute/Australian National University, Australia
PDF
Food Sources of Vitamin D/Fortification/Supplementation in SE Asia
Mr. Geoffry Smith, Essential Micronutrients Foundation, Singapore
PDF
Methodologies and Cut-offs for Measuring/Evaluating Vitamin D Status
Dr. Mei Chung, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA
PDF