DSM eyes calcifediol to harness vitamin D potential, amid immunity demands

24 Jun 2022 --- Calcifediol – the active form of vitamin D – can play a significant role in absorption, paving the way for innovation across industry, according to DSM. With consumers increasingly turning to vitamin D for its link to immunity, the sunshine vitamin continues to be in demand for supplementation.

In its latest white paper ‘Nutritional solutions to optimize immunity,’ DSM elaborates on the potential calcifediol holds.

“This new research opens up a real opportunity for the nutrition industry to optimize vitamin D intake and status with innovative ingredients, such as calcifediol, and address consumers’ health needs with science-backed, purpose-led products that support immunity,” Jim Richards, VP and global segment head for Science Translation and Advocacy, DSM, tells NutritionInsight.

Unlocking innovationNutrition brands are encouraged to deliver immune-based products to align with its demand.
Experts and expert groups in nutrition and immunity have previously recommended consuming vitamin D supplements and other immune-beneficial micronutrients.

“By equipping brands with the latest science and innovation on vitamin D, including calcifediol as described in the white paper, we are supporting the nutrition industry to develop innovations that increase vitamin D intake and unlock the benefits of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ faster and more effectively for those who need it most,” says Richards.

“Nutrition brands can deliver immunity-focused products that address consumers’ health priorities. DSM is leading the way in vitamin D innovation with calcifediol, a more potent vitamin D form."

He explains that when supplementing calcifediol, a more rapid increase in vitamin D status is shown, reducing the time needed to achieve “optimized blood 25(OH)D levels from several months to just days and weeks.”

“DSM has also developed a range of immunity dietary supplement product concepts that build on the latest vitamin D innovation and science to help brands bring research-backed immune health solutions to consumers quickly, safely and effectively.”

Vitamin D and immunity
The paper highlights the importance of nutrition in terms of immune health and that specific vitamins and minerals support the immune system to an optimal function.

“Vitamin D is an essential, fat-soluble vitamin that historically has been associated with bone and muscle health. But it is also fundamental for proper immune function,” the report mentions.

According to Richards, vitamin D can strengthen the body’s response to respiratory infections, and science indicates a link between vitamin D status and COVID-19 in terms of incidence, severity and mortality. Low levels of the vitamin are associated with an increased risk of all three.

“A recent study revealed that individuals who achieved sufficient vitamin D status (at least 75 nmol/L) with vitamin D3 supplementation had a 33% reduced risk of infection, 28% reducedSeveral studies show a link between vitamin D intake and better COVID-19 outcomes.risk of severe COVID-19 and 33% lower risk of mortality compared to unsupplemented individuals who were deficient,” Richard underscores. 

“Furthermore, those who took calcifediol and achieved vitamin D sufficiency had a 31% reduced risk of infection, 39% lower risk of severe COVID-19 and 44% reduced risk of mortality.”

Richards underscores that new science is supporting supplementation, and it is a safe and effective strategy to battle vitamin D deficiency. 

Pandemic spurring opportunity
The COVID-19 pandemic came with an increase in health awareness, especially concerning immunity. Among trending supplements was vitamin D and previous studies have also demonstrated the link between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of immune health for consumers across the globe. As a result, research on the benefits of adequate nutrition accelerated significantly to clarify the role of specific nutrients in supporting immunity, especially for COVID-19,” Richards adds.

“Several vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids and probiotics are well-known to play a role in supporting normal immune function.Vitamin D, in particular, is in the spotlight due to the substantial evidence supporting its benefits for immune health and, more recently, its link to COVID-19.

Industry has previously highlighted that consumer demands for immunity are not currently met by what companies provide, pushing for a drive to boost supply. 

“DSM research has shown that 60% of consumers are concerned about their immune health and 43% are specifically worried about resistance to epidemic diseases. While vitamin D plays an important role in supporting immunity, insufficiency and deficiency are highly prevalent worldwide. Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ we get most of our vitamin D from dietary supplements and the sun, while food generally does not contribute very much.”

By Beatrice Wihlander with additional reporting by Nicole Kerr