Project title
Effect of vitamin D fortification of foods on vitamin D status in Danish families.
The 3-year scholarship is expected to be effective from 1. September2009 or as soon as possible there after, and will be associated withThe Danish Food Research School (FOOD Denmark).
Background
Several attempts have been made in Denmark to improve vitamin D statusespecially targeted elderly people and dark-skinned immigrants, andmainly by use of food supplements. Food fortification is a preventionstrategy that has become especially relevant since the EU in 2006agreed on a regulation on addition of vitamins and minerals to foods,which can make fortification more common in Denmark. However, knowledgeabout beneficial and possible adverse effects of fortification of foodsis limited.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that has attracted increasedattention lately, especially in relation to health promoting effects. Alow vitamin D status may have several negative consequences for health.Slight vitamin D deficiency for several years can cause osteoporosis.The latest scientific results imply that vitamin D deficiency isassociated with other diseases like cancer, immunologic diseases andheart disease as well.
Aim
The aim of the project is to examine if low vitamin D status during thewinter months can be prevented in Danish families by vitamin Dfortification of milk and bread.
Study design
The study is a randomised, placebo-controlled intervention study withfamilies with children. Half of the families will get vitamin Dfortified milk and bread, the other half get non-fortified milk andbread (control). The study will be made under real-life conditions, andthus will reflect a real situation for the individual Dane and theDanish population. Thereby the results will be useful for thedecision-making authority in assessing a possible solution to theproblem with low vitamin D status.The project is a collaborationbetween the food industry, scientists and the authority and thusensures that the results will be used in both planning of preventionstrategies and commercial practice.
Workplace
We offer you an active and stimulating working environment with a groupof experts in the area. The working place will be the Department ofNutrition, The National Food Institute, Technical University ofDenmark, Mørkhøj, DK.
Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a background in life science orhealth-related sciences with an academic level equivalent to themaster´s degree.
General information
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval,and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degreeprogrammes of DTU. Information about the general requirements forenrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies isincluded in the general rules of DTU, which may be obtained byapplication to the PhD programme office at |
