Vitamin D fortification of dairy products in the United Kingdom: what are the barriers?

Lun Wong, C., Givens, D. I., Asioli, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2274-8450, Turpeinen, A. M., Han, J., Pourshahidi, L. K. and Guo, J. (2026) Vitamin D fortification of dairy products in the United Kingdom: what are the barriers? Advances in Nutrition. ISSN 2161-8313 doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100645 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

Given the inadequate vitamin D intake and status in the United Kingdom (UK) population, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recognised the difficulty of achieving a reference nutrient intake of vitamin D (10 μg/day) simply from natural food sources. Therefore, additional food vehicles for vitamin D fortification are needed to improve vitamin D intake and status. Dairy products represent a potential vehicle for fortification, given their status as staple foods in the UK. In recent workshops (October 2024 and March 2025), barriers to vitamin D fortification of dairy products were discussed by a group of experts. The main conclusions from the workshops are presented in this review and position paper and are as follows: 1). There is convincing evidence of the need to improve vitamin D status. 2). Further evidence is required including modelling studies to examine a wide variety of dairy products potentially being fortified using the UK population data, especially those who are at risk of vitamin D deficiency such as children and young female populations, as well as cost evaluation studies of vitamin D fortification. 3). More research on consumer preferences towards vitamin D-fortified dairy products is needed. 4). Vitamin D fortification of dairy products may not be technically difficult, but it may involve additional cost for dairy food manufacturers, such as purchasing specific equipment for vitamin D addition. 5). The retailing and promotion of vitamin D-fortified dairy products are influenced by various factors such as price and customer perceptions. This review further 1). Highlights the barriers to the promotion and legislation of mandatory vitamin D fortification policy of dairy products, 2). Reviews current evidence of each barrier, and 3). Identifies research gaps that need to be addressed in the future.