Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this issue because I know it has been a topic of discussion among the general public and among healthcare professionals over recent weeks. The issue was previously raised by Deputy McNamara so I looked into it. As everyone in the House knows, many Irish people are deficient in vitamin D, not least because we do not have much exposure to the sun, a situation that is now worse than ever because that people are unable to travel to sunshine destinations. There is evidence that vitamin D may be of benefit in the context of Covid-19 outcomes and there is very little evidence that the taking of vitamin D supplements causes harm. There is research on this matter from Spain, from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, from Trinity and from TU Dublin and articles have been published in the Irish Medical Journal. The respected medical journal, The Lancet, says that it is uncontroversial to promote it and that it may be beneficial with regard to Covid-19 outcomes. Government has asked the NPHET to examine the issue and to provide us with formal advice which we can stand over and give to the general public.

The HSE says that people do not need vitamin D in their diet every day because it does not need to be immediately stored for future use. However, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the HSE recommend that all babies receive a vitamin D supplement during their first year of life. Vitamin D3 is the preferred form of the supplement for infants. Most people should be able to get enough vitamin D by eating a varied and balanced diet and getting some sun, if possible, although that is very hard at the moment, as people will know. If one takes vitamin D supplements, one should be careful not to take too much. Taking 25 mcg or less per day is unlikely to cause any harm and may be of some benefit.

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