The science behind climate change and sustainability is complicated but it is important that the critical facts and the best information currently available enters the public arena. Veterinarians play a very significant role in discussing these issues with their clients, and the general public: sometimes this will involve some serious science, and sometimes lighter topics can be explored . The media to which the general public is exposed, is often guilty of playing ‘fast and loose’ with the facts. In this series, we will examine the evidence behind some of the articles and media information that appears and attempt to equip VetSalus members with background information and supporting facts, which they may use when discussing some of the more misleading or contentious statements.
Vitamin D might seem a strange topic for a VetSalus article, as generally speaking, it does not frequently present as a major deficiency of farm animals. Its role in periparturient metabolic disease is fairly well understood and in farm species, especially pigs and poultry, that are reliant upon formalised diets, its incorporation is routine and well documented. The fact that it is produced when skin is exposed to sunlight also makes the incidence of deficiency rare in many environments. Vitamin D has an important role in the absorption of calcium from the gut but cases of deficiency in livestock are rare.[1]
But recently, while reading an article in the Economist,[2] my thinking on Vitamin D was challenged a little, and it is always useful to have one’s thinking challenged! The article examined the current situation of Vitamin D supplementation in humans, and in particular, the annual rise in interest in taking supplements around the Autumn equinox, as day length shortens in the northern hemisphere. It is apparently one of the most popular supplements taken, with 18% of Americans known to take it. Research has shown a range of potential benefits. The link between Vitamin D and rickets was established over 100 years ago but Vitamin D supplementation was shown to boost the immune system, prevent bone fractures. protect against viral infections and even have action against cancer cells. It was cheaply available and the governments of the United Kingdom and Iceland recommend that it be taken through the winter months, especially by the older population.
Except that none of this had really been proved!
A review article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, in 2022, based on a trial of supplementation versus placebo and involving over 25,000 people over several years, showed no reduction of bone fractures in the Vitamin D group.[3] Other trials in Australia and New Zealand, based on tens of thousands of participants in blind trials, showed no benefits, reports the Economist article.
So what has this to do with VetSalus consultancy? I believe two important points emerge:
There is a growing gap between popular science and ‘proven science’. This is very obvious in many of the topics linked to climate change and sustainability. The science is often complex and somewhat confusing and the reader often has no time to digest the devil that may lie in the details.
There is no substitute for a large, double blinded trial. VetSalus consultants will be asked for advice on a regular basis and their trusted position as impartial advisers places them in a position of considerable importance. There is an ongoing responsibility to ensure that the advice offered is based on the most up to date information.
The beauty of the scientific method, based as it is on the proving of hypotheses which are regularly reviewed and revised, means that ‘proven facts’ can and will change over time. The ongoing responsibility of all consultants is to ensure their knowledge remains free of the bias and distortion of popular science.
This article has used A.I. resources to search for references but these were reviewed before use and the articles have been written and edited by a human brain.
If you are interested in the work of VetSalus, you will find a wider range of articles and educational material on our web site: www.vetsalus.com