Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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900. To ask the Minister for Health the terms of reference given to the Food Safety Authority ahead of the publication of its vitamin D scientific recommendations for food-based dietary guidelines for older adults in Ireland; if this study was requested to look at vitamin D in the general population in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1004/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland was requested to fast track their current work on Vitamin D and older people to provide an evidence-base to the Department of Health to underpin public health policy for vitamin D supplementation in older people aged 65 plus years.

Under the Terms of Reference, the Scientific Committee was asked to:

1. Look at the vitamin D requirements for older adults and their current vitamin D intake status.

2. Consider how best to achieve vitamin D requirements, taking total vitamin D intake into consideration.

3. Determine the older population sub-groups that need vitamin D supplementation.

4. Determine the level of supplementation required within these sub-groups and the appropriate vitamin D supplement.

5. Consider any special circumstances.

6. Deliver scientific advice for population-based guidance to the Department of Health before the end of September 2020.