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The Rank Forum on Vitamin D was held on 2nd and 3rd July 2009 at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. The workshop consisted of a series of scene-setting presentations to address the current issues and challenges concerning vitamin D and health, and included an open discussion focusing on the identification of the concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (a marker of vitamin D status) that may be regarded as optimal, and the implications this process may have in the setting of future dietary reference values for vitamin D in the UK. The Forum was in agreement with the fact that it is desirable for all of the population to have a serum 25(OH)D concentration above 25 nmol/l, but it discussed some uncertainty about the strength of evidence for the need to aim for substantially higher concentrations (25(OH)D concentrations>75 nmol/l). Any discussion of ‘optimal’ concentration of serum 25(OH)D needs to define ‘optimal’ with care since it is important to consider the normal distribution of requirements and the vitamin D needs for a wide range of outcomes. Current UK reference values concentrate on the requirements of particular subgroups of the population; this differs from the approaches used in other European countries where a wider range of age groups tend to be covered. With the re-emergence of rickets and the public health burden of low vitamin D status being already apparent, there is a need for urgent action from policy makers and risk managers. The Forum highlighted concerns regarding the failure of implementation of existing strategies in the UK for achieving current vitamin D recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To measure the intake of selenium (Se) and the contribution of different food groups to Se intake in adults aged 18-64 y in Ireland. The adequacy of Se intake in the population is also assessed.Design: Food consumption was estimated using a 7 day food diary for a representative sample (n=1379; men=662, women=717) of 18-64-y-old Irish adults selected randomly from the electoral register. Se intake was estimated using updated tables of food composition.Results: Mean daily Se intakes (+/-s.d.) from all sources (ie food plus supplements), and from food sources alone, for the group of Irish adults aged 18-64 y were 52 (+/-23) and 50 (+/-21) microg, respectively. Mean daily Se intake (from all sources) was significantly higher in men of all ages than women of all ages at levels of 60 and 44 microg, respectively (P<0.001). Meat/meat products (30%), bread and rolls (24%), fish/fish products (approximately 11%), and milk and yoghurt (9%) were the main contributors to mean daily Se intake. Adequacy of Se intake in population groups was estimated as the percentage of the population with mean daily Se intakes that were lower than the average requirement of 40 microg. Using this measure, 45.6% of women and 17.1% of men had inadequate Se intakes.Conclusion: A significant prevalence of inadequate Se intakes was observed in Irish adults. Therefore, it would seem prudent that the Se status of the Irish population be investigated at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated the effect on calcium absorption of two cereal-based fiber extracts. Materials and methods used in the study; Results and discussion.

The availability of calcium from semi-synthetic meals and model food systems was studied by an in vitro method using equilibrium dialysis after simulating gastric digestion. Twelve different food components (phytate, oxalate, wheat fibre- and barley fibre-extract, D-sorbitol, xylitol, galactitol, casein, three different casein phosphopeptide preparations, and lactose) were added to the semi-synthetic meal and their effect on the relative index of availability of 45Ca was studied. Phytate, oxalate, wheat fibre-extract and barley fibre-extract, and, surprisingly, casein had a negative effect on availability of calcium. The most pronounced effect was observed for the addition of phytate. The other dietary factors had no effect on calcium availability. Therefore, this rapid and inexpensive in vitro model could be a useful screening method for factors affecting calcium absorption, especially inhibitory factors, in future human calcium bioavailability studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last century has witnessed many innovations in agriculture and food technologies that have ensured the production of sufficient quantities of good hygienic food. Animal scientists have contributed substantially to efficient breeding and feeding practices by adapting animals for faster growth and improving feed efficiency and utilization. Breeding goals and feeding recommendations have been proposed with a primary focus on profitability to promote significant changes in the macronutrient content, i.e., animal body protein and fat reduction. However, improving the nutritional quality of meat was not included in the profit assessment. Increasing the lean meat fraction is consistent with the goal of public dietary guidelines for human nutrition proposed in 1980, emphasizing the importance of reducing the consumption of animal fat, particularly saturated fat. The application of breeding and feeding tools to modify and improve the fatty acid composition has been partly implemented in pigs and broiler chickens to supplement the dietary recommendations for humans. The health benefits of lean "red meat" have been questioned in recent years, with dietary guidelines and upper limits being introduced for human intake. Animal breeding indirectly reduces the total and heme iron (the redness generator) content in meat, due to covariation with priority breeding goals. Two micronutrients play important roles in the human diet and are derived largely from meat (selenium) and milk (iodine) if the amount provided and absorbed is sufficient and predictable. The iodine content can be highly dependent on the use of novel (more sustainable) feeds. The micronutrients discussed in this study (Fe, Se, I, and vitamin D) highlight opportunities for the utilization of breeding and feeding knowledge to adjust their levels to procure meat with a high nutrient density. The gaps in micronutrient levels in humans must be addressed by navigating within approved animal feeding levels. Animal scientists must recognize the nutritional impact of breeding and feeding and advertise them. In addition, human nutritionists must acknowledge the existing and potential changes in animal production to meet the dietary guidelines. Sustainable food production within the "One Health" concept can only be achieved through cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Dietary supplements with vitamin and calcium are recommended to nursing home residents in Denmark, but adherence to the recommendation is low. In a previous part of this study, we reported improved adherence by means of The Model for Improvement leading to increased awareness and change of workflows at two nursing homes. However, potential effects of this improved adherence are unknown. Objective. The objective of this substudy was to investigate if the improved adherence to the recommendation affected vitamin D status, muscle strength, and physical functioning of the residents. Methods. This was a 20‐week quasiexperimental study involving 40 residents from two Danish nursing homes. Baseline and endpoint measurements took place in October 2021 and March 2022, respectively. Outcomes were number of residents taking vitamin D and calcium supplements; vitamin D status; handgrip strength; and physical functioning with timed‐up‐and‐go test and 30‐second chair stand test. Results. Prevalence of vitamin D supplement users increased from 45 to 78% (mean dose 41 μg) and of calcium supplement users from 40 to 72% (mean dose 769 mg) (both P = 0.002). Among those having blood sampled at both baseline and endpoint (n = 30), mean vitamin D status increased from 66.6 ± 31.7 nmol/L to 82.8 ± 26.3 nmol/L (P < 0.001), and more residents were vitamin D sufficient at endpoint (90 vs. 63%, P = 0.021). Endpoint vitamin D status among supplement users was 88.2 ± 22.2 nmol/L, which was higher compared to nonsupplement users (55.3 ± 30.4 nmol/L, P < 0.01). No effects were seen on muscle strength or physical functioning. Conclusions. Increased supplementation with vitamin D using The Model for Improvement positively affected vitamin D status and prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency but did not affect muscle strength or physical functioning. Longer‐term studies involving more residents are needed to investigate effects of improved adherence on these outcomes. This trial is registered with NCT04956705. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promising initial studies on vitamin D (VD) supplementation as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) require rigorously designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aim to investigate the effects of augmenting standard MDD treatment with VD supplementation and examine factors influencing the treatment outcome. This article describes the study design, measures, and baseline characteristics. This multicenter RCT compares the efficacy of a six‐month VD intervention at 100 micrograms/day versus 10 micrograms/day (μg/day) (4000 IU (international units)/day vs. 400 IU/day) added to a standard treatment in outpatients aged 20–61 years with MDD. The primary outcome is change in the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score. Secondary outcomes are other indicators of mental health and functionality (BDI, SOC, 15‐D, PSS10, LS‐4, LOT‐R, YSQ‐S2‐extended, CORE‐OM, TAS‐20, BRCS, TADS, SCL‐90, DIAD, GAF), and circulating biomarkers. Intervention assessments are conducted at baseline, 3, and 6 months, and follow‐ups at 18 months and 6 years post‐baseline. The baseline sample had 319 subjects (74% women; median age 31 (inter‐quartile range (IQR) 15), mean MADRS score 21.38 (SD 6.04)), with 281 assigned to the RCT. At present, the study continues as a follow‐up study. DepFuD project will provide extensive information regarding the potential benefits of VD and enables to identify various biopsychosocial depression‐associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstrac: Female adult Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker (FAESW) has traditionally been a food source in Southeast Asian countries such as China and India, due to its rich nutritional content. However, the nutritional value of male adults (MAESW) and its molts (MESW) has hardly been reported. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential application of MAESW and MESW in food by investigating and comparing their nutritional composition (i.e., protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and essential elements) with traditional sources of nutrition. The protein content of MAESW and MESW was 66.10 ± 0.49% and 59.86 ± 6.07%, respectively, and the highest energy content (462.26 ± 1.28 kcal/100 g) was observed for MAESW. Eight essential amino acids were determined, of which the males and MESW were found to have higher contents than those of FAESW (p < 0.05). Oleic and linoleic acid contents were higher in the adults than nymphs. Moreover, MESW was predominant in calcium (6770.84 mg/kg), whereas MAESW was rich in iron (556.12 mg/kg). Likened to chicken, the protein, amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral contents of ESW were higher. The volatiles of ESW were related to hexaldehyde, benzaldehyde, acetic acid, and butyric acid. This study provides a better understanding of the chemical composition of ESWs during their growth cycle and helps optimize information on edible insects, promoting their use as a potential food source for humans. Practical Application: As a kind of edible insect, the utilization of adult male Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker (ESW) and its molt is very low at present. Therefore, this study examined the nutrients and volatile substances of ESW (at different growth stages) and molt, which provided a theoretical basis for the subsequent development and utilization of ESW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) is a common disease. A close relationship between HTN and high salt diet (HS) is recorded. Reduction of dietary HS in hypertensive patients causes improvements in blood pressure (BP) and cardiac architecture. Sodium--glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are oral anti diabetic drugs. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is one of these inhibitors. EMPA is an anti-hyperglycemic agent and reduces BP in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Aim of the Work: The aim was to assess the EMPA therapy effects on the hypertensive Wister adult male albino rat's myocardium and the regenerative role of telocytes. Materials and Methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were utilized and divided into 2 main groups: group I (Control): included 20 rats and subdivided into subgroups IA (Standard diet & placebo) and IB (Standard diet & EMPA) and group II (HTN induced): involved 30 rats which took HS diet for eight weeks then subdivided into subgroup IIA (HS diet ), IIB (HS diet & EMPA) and IIC (Low salt diet) for another 8 weeks. Systolic BP was measured at the start, 8 and 16 weeks following the experiment's start. Specimens from the myocardium left ventricle were prepared for Picrosirius Red, CD34 immunostaining and electron microscopic examination. SBP, telocytes number and percentage of collagen fibers were analyzed statistically. Results: Subgroup IIA showed disrupted histological architecture of the myocardium but it was preserved in subgroups IIB and IIC. Systolic BP and collagen fibers deposition were high in IIA subgroup but showed levels near those of the control group in IIB and IIC subgroups. Area percentage of telocytes was high in IIB and IIC with marked decrease in IIA subgroups. Conclusion: Relation between hypertension and HS diet intake is proved. HS diet has deleterious effects on the myocardium architecture. This study revealed that EMPA and dietary salt restriction preserve rat's myocardium architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, a major challenge for nutrition research was in defining indicators of nutritional adequacy. More recently, the research base related to the role of nutrition in chronic disease has expanded sufficiently to permit moving beyond deficiency indicators to other indicators with broader functional significance. Thus, nutrition research is faced with the new challenge of defining 'optimal nutrition'. One definition of optimal nutrition with respect to any particular nutrient could be when a functional marker reaches an 'optimal value' or plateau beyond which it is not longer affected by intake or stores of the nutrient. A functional marker of nutrient status could be defined as a physiological or biochemical factor which (1) is related to function or effect of the nutrient in target tissue(s) and (2) is affected by dietary intake or stores of the nutrient (which may include markers of disease risk). Examples of such indicators or markers are those related to risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, CHD, or hypertension. The present review focuses on the concept of optimal nutrition with respect to three nutrients, Ca, Mg and P. However, for P and Mg there are as yet no functional indicators which respond to dietary intake, and in such cases nutrient requirements are established using more traditional approaches, e.g. balance data. For Ca, there has been interest in using maximal Ca retention, which is based on balance data, bone mass measurements and biomarkers of bone turnover as useful functional indicators of the adequacy of Ca intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry is firmly established today as the gold standard technique for analysis of vitamin D, both for vitamin D status assessments as well as for measuring complex and intricate vitamin D metabolic fingerprints. While the actual mass spectrometry technology has seen only incremental performance increases in recent years, there have been major, very impactful changes in the front- and back-end of MS-based vitamin D assays; for example, the extension to new types of biological sample matrices analyzed for an increasing number of different vitamin D metabolites, novel sample preparation techniques, new powerful chemical derivatization reagents, as well the continued integration of high resolution mass spectrometers into clinical laboratories, replacing established triple-quadrupole instruments. At the same time, the sustainability of mass spectrometry operation in the vitamin D field is now firmly established through proven analytical harmonization and standardization programs. The present review summarizes the most important of these recent developments., (© 2021 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Malnutrition is a persistent and complex global health issue that affects millions of children. While existing studies have explored various factors related to child nutrition, limited research has comprehensively investigated the multifaceted relationships between infant, neonatal, and current feeding practices, and children's nutritional status within the specific context of a rural community. This research aims to determine the association and relationships between the feeding practices of children in San Placido, Roxas, Isabela with their nutritional status. Employing a community-based case study design which combines both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach utilizes descriptive-correlational methods to assess neonatal, infant, and current feeding practices, as well as their relationship with children's nutritional status. While the qualitative aspect delves into the government's efforts to combat malnutrition. Key findings reveal that the timing of introducing complementary foods to infants exhibits a significant correlation with children's nutritional status on Weight-for-Age Z-Score, Height-for-Age Z-Score, and Weight-for-Height Z-Score. Furthermore, current feeding practices, although significant in Weight-for-Age Z-Score in emotion regulation and Height-for-Age Z-Score in pressure and modeling, they do not significantly affect Weightfor-Height Z-Score. Moreover, the study shows no association between neonatal feeding practices and children's nutritional status except for Weight-for-Age Z-Score in feeding practices and the delivery of colostrum in the first three days. As part of the government's efforts to combat malnutrition, school feeding emerges as a recognized nutrition intervention within the San Placido community. The multifaceted relationship between feeding practices in the context of child nutrition serves as a foundation for future research, policy initiatives, and potential interventions, aiming for effective and sustainable improvements in child health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy increase the risk for adverse outcomes in women and children. Lower vitamin D levels are suggested to be associated with higher depressive symptoms in nonpregnant populations. We studied if the level of or change in serum of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration was associated with the levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Methods. The participants of this prospective longitudinal study came from the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (PREDO) study. The analytic sample comprised 307 women (mean age = 32.5 (range 20.3–44.3)) who reported depressive symptoms concurrently with serum 25(OH)D measurements at a median of 13.0, 19.3, and 27.0 gestational weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Linear and mixed‐model regression analyses were used to study the associations. Results. The 25(OH)D levels were not associated with depressive symptoms cross‐sectionally (p values > 0.58) or across the three assessment points during pregnancy (B = −0.05; 95% CI, −0.12, 0.01; and p = 0.12). Yet, a higher increase in 25(OH)D during pregnancy was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (B = −1.41; 95% CI, −2.75, −0.07; and p = 0.04) but not after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.08). Conclusions. The 25(OH)D levels and depressive symptoms were not associated among pregnant women throughout the pregnancy. However, there is a need for randomized controlled trials to fully exclude the possibility of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of depression during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis, a metabolic bone disorder characterized by decreased bone mass per unit volume, poses a significant global health burden due to its association with heightened fracture risk and adverse impacts on patients' quality of life. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying osteoporosis, with a focus on key regulatory pathways governing osteoblast and osteoclast activities. These pathways include RANK/RANKL/OPG, Wingless-int (Wnt)/β-catenin, and Jagged1/Notch1 signaling, alongside the involvement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) signaling, cytokine networks, and kynurenine in bone remodeling. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions targeting these pathways play a pivotal role in osteoporosis management. Anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates, estrogen replacement therapy/hormone replacement therapy (ERT/HRT), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), calcitonin, anti-RANKL antibodies, and cathepsin K inhibitors, aim to mitigate bone resorption. Conversely, anabolic agents, including PTH and anti-sclerostin drugs, stimulate bone formation. In addition to pharmacotherapy, nutritional supplementation with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 holds promise for osteoporosis prevention. However, despite the availability of therapeutic options, a substantial proportion of osteoporotic patients remain untreated, highlighting the need for improved clinical management strategies. This comprehensive review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a mechanistic understanding of osteoporosis pathogenesis and the therapeutic mechanisms of existing medications. By elucidating these insights, this review seeks to inform evidence-based decision-making and optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients with osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D receptors are expressed in many organs and tissues, which suggests that vitamin D (VD) affects physiological functions beyond its role in maintaining bone health. Deficiency or inadequacy of 25(OH)VD is widespread globally. Population studies demonstrate that a positive association exists between a high incidence of VD deficiency and a high incidence of chronic diseases, including dementia, diabetes, and heart disease. However, many subjects have difficulty achieving the required circulating levels of 25(OH)VD even after high-dose VD supplementation, and randomized controlled clinical trials have reported limited therapeutic success post-VD supplementation. Thus, there is a discordance between the benefits of VD supplementation and the prevention of chronic diseases in those with VD deficiency. Why this dissociation exists is currently under debate and is of significant public interest. This review discusses the downregulation of VD-metabolizing genes needed to convert consumed VD into 25(OH)VD to enable its metabolic action exhibited by subjects with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Research findings indicate a positive correlation between the levels of 25(OH)VD and glutathione (GSH) in both healthy and diabetic individuals. Cell culture and animal experiments reveal a novel mechanism through which the status of GSH can positively impact the expression of VD metabolism genes. This review highlights that for better success, VD deficiency needs to be corrected at multiple levels: (i) VD supplements and/or VD-rich foods need to be consumed to provide adequate VD, and (ii) the body needs to be able to upregulate VD-metabolizing genes to convert VD into 25(OH)VD and then to 1,25(OH)2VD to enhance its metabolic action. This review outlines the association between 25(OH)VD deficiency/inadequacy and decreased GSH levels, highlighting the positive impact of combined VD+LC supplementation on upregulating GSH, VD-metabolizing genes, and VDR. These effects have the potential to enhance 25(OH)VD levels and its therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Low serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 nmol/L) have been associated with increased depressive symptom scores over time, and it is believed that functionality may play a mediating role in the relationship between 25(OH)D and depressive symptoms. To comprehend the association between these factors could have significant implications for public health policy. The aim of this study was to verify the association between simultaneous vitamin D insufficiency and depressive symptoms, and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study with data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), collected between 2015 and 2016. The outcomes were functional disability assessed through basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The exposures were vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 nmol/L) and depressive symptoms (≥ 4 points in 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression was performed to estimate associations. A total of 1781 community-dwelling older adults included in this study, 14.6% had disability in ADL and 47.9% in IADL; 59.7% had vitamin D insufficient levels, and 33.2% depressive symptoms. The concomitant presence of vitamin D insufficient and depressive symptoms increased the prevalence of ADL by 2.20 (95% CI: 1.25; 3.86) and IADL by 1.54 (95% CI: 1.24; 1.91), respectively. Therefore, preventive strategies to keep older adults physically and socially active, with a good level of vitamin D, are essential to avoid depression and functional disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meat plays a crucial role in the human diet as it is a rich source of micronutrients and helps combat malnutrition. The objective of this research was to examine the mineral and vitamin compositions of three different cattle. Methods: Two methods, Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), were employed to evaluate the mineral concentrations present in the meat samples. Result: The ranges of concentrations of the minerals were Cu (0.001±0.00-0.002±0.00), Fe (0.107±0.00-0.127±0.01), Na (0.469±0.06- 0.620±0.06), K (0.054±0.01-0.149±0.02), Zn (0.047±0.01-0.085±0.01), Se (0.040±0.01-0.120±0.03), Mg (0.228±0.02-0.269±0.02) and Ca (0.1108±0.03-0.254±0.01) mg per 100 kilograms. Certain cuts of Ethiopian Boran beef have been shown to contain an abundance of essential minerals, nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins. The ranges for vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E are 10.34±0.86 to 17.14±2.39), 0.45±0.06 to 0.89±0.13) and 9.55±1.92 to 15.46±1.86), respectively. The results of the study showed that the sheko cattle variety had higher levels of vitamin D and E than other types of cattle and meat cuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanding our understanding of canine nutrition is paramount for ensuring the well-being of our beloved companions. In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift towards recognizing the intricate interplay between diet and health outcomes in dogs. This shift has led to a surge of interest in exploring novel dietary interventions, with a focus on ingredients that can positively modulate the gut microbiota and enhance immune function. Prebiotics, defined as non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, have emerged as key players in this domain. These substances, often found in fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, serve as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their proliferation and diversity. By fostering a healthy gut microbiota, prebiotics contribute to improved nutrient absorption, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune response in dogs. To fully realize the potential of prebiotics and symbiotics in canine nutrition, collaboration between veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and researchers is essential. By pooling expertise from diverse fields, we can design robust studies to investigate the efficacy of these interventions across different dog breeds, ages, and health conditions. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and surveillance are necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of prebiotic and symbiotic products in the market. Through interdisciplinary efforts, we can harness the transformative power of advanced nutrition to enhance the lives of dogs and strengthen the human-animal bond for generations to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on vitamin D2 mushroom powder as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is produced from Agaricus bisporus mushroom powder that has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to induce the conversion of provitamin D2 (ergosterol) to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The NF contains concentrations of vitamin D in the form of vitamin D2 in the range of 245–460 μg/g. The information provided on the production process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF as an ingredient in a variety of foods and beverages in amounts that result in either 1.2 or 2.4 μg vitamin D2 per 100 g or 100 mL of the food as consumed. The applicant also intends to add the NF in food supplements at a maximum of 15 μg vitamin D2/day for individuals above 1 year of age, as well as in foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs). The estimates for combined intake of vitamin D from the NF, the background diet and fortified foods, were below the ULs for vitamin D as established previously by the NDA Panel for children, adolescents and adults, i.e. 50 and 100 μg/day. The estimated combined vitamin D intake in infants (6–12 months) is also below the UL for vitamin D of 35 μg/day. The Panel considers that taking into account the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous for the proposed target population. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]