Sir, – In response to Prof Thomas Cotter’s letter suggesting the Irish are (not far from) a nation of scientific illiterates (January 18th), in which he poses the question, “When was the last time we saw people with vitamin deficiencies in Ireland?”, may I suggest a little intellectual curiosity on his part would have led him to research conducted at his own institution by Prof Kevin Cashman’s group, highlighting some of highest rates of vitamin D deficiency in the industrialised world among the Irish population. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – In answer to Prof Thomas G Cotter’s question (January 18th) as to when we last saw people with vitamin deficiencies in Ireland; it is today.
The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in Ireland is relatively high. Our elevated latitude, hence low sun exposure, fair skin, and relatively high prevalence of coeliac disease (the latter of which can reduce vitamin D absorbance in the gut) are all contributing risk factors. Vitamin D supplementation is particularly important during winter when sunshine is all too scarce in Ireland. Vitamin D deficiency can cause many health problems that can be alleviated with adequate supplementation to a modern diet.
However vitamin D supplementation should, as Prof Cotter states, not be taken without thought and without first knowing that one’s blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is indeed deficient.
Everything in moderation! – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I wish to support the sentiments conveyed by David McConnell and Tom Cotter regarding science and Irish culture (January 17th 18th). This is very clearly in my own field of stem cells. A much greater deal of focus should be placed on science communication, and this includes stamping out inaccuracy in the reporting of science to the public, as well as giving the public the tools they need to discriminate between “science” and “pseudoscience”. We must also do more to help our public representatives understand how science works, what it is, and indeed its societal worth.
Initiatives such as the Science Gallery, Sciencespin, Futureproof and the Frog Blog are all the beginning of processes of engagement and they inspire much hope for the future. – Yours, etc,