The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has recommended that everyone aged 5 to 65 should be taking a daily dose of vitamin D during the winter months.
The recommendation comes as the FSAI published its scientific report on vitamin D nutrition for people aged 5 to 65 years in Ireland.
Dr Pamela Byrne, head of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland recommended the consumption of oily fish, meat in all forms as part of the diet and fortified foods such as dairy products.
Dr Byrne told RTÉ's News at One that for healthy children age 5 to 11, daily supplements should be taken during the winter period from October to March for those who are fair skinned and throughout the year for those who are dark skinned.
While with teenagers and adults, the same daily vitamin D would be taken depending on skin type, but it should be throughout the year for those who are pregnant.
She said vitamin D was important for every part of the population at all stages of life.
Professor Kevin Cashman, Chair of the Public Health Nutrition Subcommittee that prepared the report said that vitamin D is "essential for good bone health throughout the lives of children and adults".
He said: "It also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and maintenance of normal muscle function."
The FSAI report will now be used to inform the Department of Health's national guidelines on vitamin D nutrition.
