European regulators recognize effects of vitamin D beyond bone health

To date EFSA (the European Food Safety Agency), has published positive opinions on article 13.1 health claims relating to beneficial effects of vitamin D supplements not only on bones and teeth, but also relating to muscles, immunity, inflammation, and reproduction. * Yet the United States' Institute of Medcicine (IOM) committee did not reach similar conclusions and therefore did not consider the need for amounts higher than needed just for bone health when recently resetting the recommended and upper limits for vitamin D. (* from nutraingredients.com). For more on the FDA decision, see:
http://honestnutrition.blogspot.com/2010/11/us-increases-recommendations-for.html

Here's what the EFSA has published about these positive benefits (I bolded some text to highlight these points):


"The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response, and maintenance of normal muscle function."
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1468.htm

"The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin D and maintenance of normal bone and teeth, absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus and normal blood calcium concentrations, and normal cell division."
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1227.htm