Which group of individuals has increased vitamin D intake recommendations?

The group of individuals for whom vitamin D intake recommendations have been increased is children and older adults. This adjustment is largely due to the important role that vitamin D plays in calcium metabolism and bone health, which are critical at both ends of the age spectrum. In children, adequate vitamin D is essential for proper growth and development of bones. For older adults, the increased recommendations serve to combat the higher risk of bone density loss and related conditions such as osteoporosis, which can be exacerbated by insufficient vitamin D levels.

Public health recommendations often reflect the understanding that these populations are at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency, whether due to factors such as decreased dietary intake, reduced skin synthesis of vitamin D as a result of aging, or less exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the elevation in recommended intake helps to promote optimal health and prevent deficiencies in these vulnerable groups.

In contrast, the vitamin D recommendations for young adults, middle-aged adults, and pregnant women typically do not see as significant increases in the same way as they do for children and older adults. While pregnant women do have specific needs for vitamin D to support fetal development, it is in the context of ensuring sufficient levels rather than a broad increase in recommended intake compared to other groups.