Vitamin D intake and serum levels in the Finnish adult population – Results from the national FinDiet 2017 survey

Background Insufficient intake of vitamin D and low vitamin D levels were observed in Finland until the beginning of the 21st century. The aim was to investigate vitamin D intake and status among Finnish adults.

Methods The data were collected from 1655 participants aged 18–74 years from the national ­FinDiet 2017 survey. S-25(OH)D levels were measured from serum samples and intake was calculated from 24-hour dietary recalls.

Results Mean overall intake of vitamin D was 23 µg/d for men and 26 µg/d for women. Mean S-25(OH)D concentration was 67 nmol/l and 76 nmol/l, respectively. In a small part of the population (7% of the participants) intake fell below the average requirement (7.5 µg/d). S-25(OH)D concentration was below the cutoff for deficiency (30 nmol/l) in 6% of the men and 2% of the women. Foods fortified with vitamin D as well as fish dishes were the most important dietary sources of vitamin D.

Conclusions Intake and status of vitamin D were in the recommended range on average, but a small proportion of the participants did not reach vitamin D sufficiency. Fortified foods are the most important sources of vitamin D for non-supplement users. It is important to monitor vitamin D intake and status to ensure sufficient intake of vitamin D in the entire population.