Basic Research for Establishment of a Public Health Nutrition Policy: Focus on Vitamins

Abstract

In recent years, the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Japanese have shown a shift in focus in order to not only avoid deficiency-related diseases but also prevent nutrient insufficiencies. In this context, it is necessary to identify biomarkers that can be used to assess these insufficiencies. However, there is only limited consensus on reliable biomarkers, highlighting the need to establish new indicators. Additionally, in the 2025 DRIs, osteoporosis has been added to the list of diseases for which a relationship with energy and nutrients has been established, in addition to the conventional list of lifestyle-related diseases. Although vitamin D is crucial for prevention of osteoporosis, a regular diet alone is not sufficient to provide the required amount; thus, the DG for vitamin D has not been established. Vitamin D levels are influenced by not only dietary intake but also synthesis in the skin. Given that ultraviolet radiation exposure and dietary habits in Japan differ from those in other countries, high-quality research on vitamin D levels and their determinants in the Japanese population is essential. However, there has been insufficient human nutritional research centered on vitamins in Japan, making it an urgent priority to establish strong research infrastructure for advancement of this field.