Search

In 2012, the Dutch Health Council published updated advice on vitamin D supplementation in the population of the Netherlands. Although implementation of the advice has commenced, progress is slow. The bottlenecks in implementation were highlighted at a national expert meeting and ideas formulated for improvements. Implementation is rendered more difficult because of the complex mix of lack of awareness of the advice, the reimbursement system of the health insurance companies and a lack of clarity regarding price and dosage differences of the supplements. Existing contact opportunities with healthcare professionals, such as when the flu vaccination is given, need to be used to provide information so as to improve the implementation. The children's health clinic can be used to inform the whole family about supplementation. In nursing and care homes, vitamin D supplementation should be instituted as standard and seen as an indicator of responsible care. It is important to prioritize target groups. The initial focus must be on the most vulnerable group, the inhabitants of nursing and care homes. The second priority must be given to the elderly living independently and to non-western immigrants.