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What should we know about celiac disease?

International Celiac Disease Day is celebrated on May 16 in all countries belonging to the AOECS. Established in 2006, it draws attention to gluten-dependent diseases and the challenges faced by consumers following a gluten-free diet, but also by food producers, for whom the market has growing expectations. Dr. Urszula Krupa-Kozak from the Department of Chemistry and Biodynamics of Food, talks about celiac disease and the relevant research being conducted at our Institute.

Many people who consume grain products report distressing symptoms, worsening health and reduced quality of life. Gluten, which is a complex of wheat reserve proteins (gliadin and glutein) and the homologous proteins of rye (secalin) and barley (hordein), can cause the development of gluten-dependent diseases, which include celiac disease, Dühring syndrome, gluten ataxia, wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity. Celiac disease (a.k.a. visceral disease, gluten-dependent enteropathy) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals, caused by persistent gluten intolerance. The disease is characterized by a varied clinical picture, the presence of specific serum antibodies and haplotype (group of genes inherited from one parent – ed.) HLADQ2 or HLA-DQ8, and enteropathy (pathological changes – ed.) in the small intestine. The disease leads to damage to the intestinal mucosa, followed by atrophy of the intestinal villi, whose function is to absorb nutrients.

Diagnosis

Gluten-dependent diseases can manifest themselves with different symptoms, which can additionally vary in severity. Classic celiac disease (full-blown) is characterized by symptoms of malnutrition, abdominal pain, weight loss; it is accompanied by diarrhea, bloating, and in children, personality changes and developmental disorders. This form of the disease is relatively rare, and is diagnosed relatively quickly due to its characteristic symptoms. Much more often, however, patients with celiac disease have extraintestinal symptoms (anemia, chronic fatigue, aphthas, neurological disorders, bone and joint pain, premature osteoporosis, fertility problem), which should draw the attention not only of gastroenterologists, but also of endocrinologists, gynecologists, hematologists, rheumatologists or neurologists. Non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity (NCGS) is characterized by symptoms similar to celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome, with which it can be confused. The condition mainly affects adults and is characterized by symptoms beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

People who observe alarming symptoms in themselves after consuming gluten-containing products and suspect the development of gluten-related diseases should consult their GP. The doctor, based on the medical history, will order a consultation with a specialist – a gastroenterologist in a justified case. The specialist in the next step will order the determination of celiac disease-specific antibodies (tTG and EmA), the presence of which in the blood serum indicates the disease, but does not always mean changes in the small intestine, authorizing its diagnosis. Therefore, for a complete diagnosis of celiac disease, biopsy and histopathological evaluation of small intestine sections, which are the gold standard for diagnosis in adults, are necessary. In the case of NCGS, diagnosis relies on the exclusion of other gluten-dependent diseases (celiac disease and wheat allergy), as there are no specific markers to detect this type of hypersensitivity.

What’s next?

For gluten-dependent diseases, the basic and common form of therapy is to exclude gluten from the diet. The differences, however, are that in the case of celiac disease, a gluten-free diet must already be followed rigorously and for life, while in the case of allergies and NCGS, the diet can be followed temporarily.

A gluten-free diet involves eliminating foods made from grains, i.e. wheat (including spelt, flatbread, semolina), barley, rye and uncertified oats. Commercially, gluten-free products are marked with a crossed ear sign. However, unlabeled products can be a problem, especially those in which gluten is not expected such as cured meats, sauces, spice blends, dressings, yogurts or gum, and even some medicines that may have been contaminated with this protein in the manufacturing process.

In the initial stages of treatment, right after diagnosis, the support of a qualified nutritionist is very important and helpful in properly balancing a gluten-free diet. However, once you become familiar and „accustomed” to its principles, following the diet in your own home becomes a habit. Meals away from home, in restaurants, at school/preschool or while traveling can be a problem. That’s why it’s a good idea to ensure your safety by planning your meals well, choosing only reliable restaurants and catering companies. Although products with the crossed-thorn mark are now available for purchase, it is advisable to prepare a set of tried-and-true gluten-free products for trips, consisting, for example, of bread, cookies, nuts and fruit. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of your diet when traveling by air and to book a gluten-free meal in advance.

Trendy „gluten-free”

Without consulting a gastroenterologist and without a definitive diagnosis, you should not switch to a gluten-free diet on your own. This will make it more difficult and prolong the time for a proper diagnosis because when we eliminate gluten from the diet, the body will not be in contact with this factor and will stop producing characteristic antibodies, so that the results of serological tests will be inaccurate or falsely negative.

Flaxseed cake as an opportunity to improve gluten-free products

Recent research conducted by scientists at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, in cooperation with the West Pomeranian University of Technology, has focused on improving the quality and enrichment of gluten-free baked goods with nutrients and bioactive ingredients derived from flaxseed cake, the pomace from linseed oil production. Compared to conventional bread, a common disadvantage of commercially available gluten-free baked goods is poor quality due to inferior taste, unsatisfactory texture and reduced nutritional value and short shelf life. The need to improve the quality of baked goods led researchers to study the nutritional and functional potential of flaxseed cake, which has been shown to be a good source of minerals and antioxidants. In addition, along with flaxseed cake, proteins and polysaccharides are introduced into bread recipes, which have a beneficial effect on the technological properties of bread, giving it the desired cohesiveness, porosity, colour and even aroma. The research conducted by the teams from Olsztyn and Szczecin is important from the point of view of consumers on a gluten-free diet, who have the right to expect that the quality of gluten-free products available commercially will be similar to conventional products. In reality, however, this is not easy to achieve and poses a great challenge for food technologists and producers.

Adenomyosis – learn about a female disease similar to endometriosis

Until recently, it was believed that if a woman had a problem with heavy menstrual bleeding, fertility or menstrual pain, then „this is her beauty”. Today we know that these may be symptoms of, for example, adenomyosis – a female disease similar to endometriosis. The research results of scientists from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn may improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

The publication on this topic appeared in the journal „Journal of Clinical Medicine” .

ADENOMMYOSIS – A LESS KNOWN FORM OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent disease similar to endometriosis. In endometriosis, endometrial tissue, the lining inside the uterus, abnormally migrates to other places in the body, including the intestines or around the anus. With adenomyosis, these tissues get into in the uterine muscle – explains the author of the study, Maria Sztachelska, MD, PhD from the Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction IRZiBŻ PAS in Olsztyn.

The main symptoms of adenomyosis are very heavy menstrual bleeding, perimenstrual pain and pain during intercourse, thickening of the uterine walls in the ultrasound image, infertility problems, general malaise, and a tendency to anemia.

The exact mechanism of adenomyosis formation is not yet known. As Maria Sztachelska emphasizes, one of the theories is the presence of excessive contractile activity of the uterus, which leads to micro-trauma and the mucous membrane tissue inside the uterus instead of exfoliating outside (during menstruation) penetrates inside this wall.

(NOT) ESSENTIAL ESTROGEN

Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, which means that estrogens are the key hormones driving its growth.

“In our studies, we wanted to determine the profile of hormone receptors and we showed the presence of all nuclear and membrane estrogen and progesterone receptors. We suspect that in the case of adenomyosis – as in endometriosis – the mechanism of disease formation is most likely related to the expression of the beta estrogen receptor, which is not present in the normal endometrium – the researcher points out.

Studies have also shown that adenomyosis is able to drive its own development, because its tissues themselves produce estradiol (biologically active estrogen), and this promotes cell proliferation. – In addition, adenomyosis also produces prolactin, which inhibits apoptosis, i.e. the process of cell destruction. All this increases the lifespan of adonemiosis and therefore its complete recovery is still a challenge – emphasizes Maria Sztachelska.

BETTER DIAGNOSIS AND TARGETED THERAPY

Currently, adenomyosis can be treated in two ways. The first path is radical, surgical treatment.

– The second option, often used after the procedure, is pharmacological treatment. Currently, the therapy most often consists in the use of GnRH antagonists, which inhibit the production of estradiol. However, they cannot be used indefinitely, because estradiol is necessary for a woman – it affects e.g. skin, hair, nails, well-being. Our previous research, led by Dr. Donata Ponikwicka-Tyszko, on the biology of endometriosis, indicates that GnRH antagonist therapy in combination with estradiol can be used long-term and has good effects. Currently, the potential of targeted therapy, e.g. in the form of antibodies directed at specific receptors, is also being investigated, emphasizes Maria Sztachelska.

The test results may also contribute to better diagnosis. „Since we showed a high expression of the estrogen receptor beta, knowing this altered profile of receptors, it would be possible to determine whether a woman is potentially at risk of adenomyosis by examining the endometrial tissue taken in a biopsy, even before the onset of symptoms” – the researcher points out.

– Until recently, it was believed that if a woman has a problem with heavy menstrual bleeding, fertility or menstrual pain, then „this is her beauty”. Fortunately, today the awareness and detection of endometriosis or adenomyosis is increasing. And this is not a marginal problem, because these diseases can affect up to every fifth woman – sums up Maria Sztachelska.

Institute’s new headquarters is almost ready

New headquarters of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn is nearing completion. The end of works is scheduled for October this year. The facility will gather all the Institute’s units, which today are scattered in four locations in two cities. Another advantage of the new location is its proximity to the science and technology park.

– Finally, we will all be together in one place. This will improve cooperation between scientists, increase the potential of our centre and create optimal conditions for innovative research. It is also an opportunity to integrate all employees – daily meetings strengthen the sense of community. Synergy, synergy and more synergy – underlines the Director General of IARFR PAS in Olsztyn, Prof. Mariusz Piskuła.

The director adds that a single headquarters also means simpler management of the Institute and puts an end to logistical problems (e.g., the need for constant transportation of documents and reagents or „wandering” of employees between locations). – In addition, we will reduce the Institute’s maintenance costs, since the maintenance of a single building made with the latest energy-efficient technologies will be cheaper than the current total cost of maintaining all workplaces – points out Prof. Piskuła.

The location in the neighbourhood of the Olsztyn Science and Technology Park is not accidental. – The current trend in the global science puts a spotlight on the usefulness of science and the translation of research results directly to the benefit of people and the quality of their life. The new location is therefore an incredible opportunity for us to transfer science into practice and to develop research and implementation projects – adds Prof. Piskuła.

CURRENT WORKS

The works on the construction site on Władysław Tryliński St. in Olsztyn are in progress. – So far, we are implementing various stages without major problems. Currently, we are carrying out activities related to all internal installations, also the elevation work is underway, and activities on the landscaping are slowly beginning. The work at the Animal Laboratory is progressing faster, as this place – designed and built to the highest world standards – will be finished earlier due to complicated inspection procedures – says Deputy Director for General Affairs Michał Żurek.

The building has six floors (including one technical floor), with a total area of more than 10,000 square meters. Inside there will be laboratories, rooms for specialized analytical work, seminar rooms, a Scientific Council room, and administrative and technical facilities. Larger events will be held in the halls of the Olsztyn Science and Technology Park. A relaxation area is also planned.

Thanks to the BMS (Building Management System), the Institute’s new building will be largely automated. – Also noteworthy is the new conference room, which will be equipped with a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, allowing for hybrid meetings and online connection with guests or speakers – points out Michał Żurek.

The investment also includes access roads, parking lots, a covered shelter for bicycles and landscaping. A photovoltaic installation will be built next to the building.

BEFORE THE FINAL MOVE

The construction is scheduled for completion in October this year. Then the moving will begin, which will take several months due to the need to properly transport highly specialized equipment and adapt the laboratories. It’s also an extensive planning effort and the actual transport of animals from the Animal Lab.

The Institute plans to vacate its current locations by August 2024, and the current buildings will be put up for sale.

NEW HEADQUARTERS – HOW IT ALL STARTED

Currently, IARFR PAS in Olsztyn is spread out, with its divisions and departments located in four locations, in two cities. The Division of Food Sciences is located in Olsztyn on Tuwima Street, the Division of Reproductive Biology is located on Bydgoska Street in Olsztyn. In Białystok, we have a department dealing with the prophylaxis of metabolic diseases and the department for human reproductive pathology, located in the Science and Technology Park and the Medical University, respecively.

Plans to build a new headquarters for the PAS Institute date back to 2011. In 2013, the Institute signed a letter of intent with the city – the operator of the Olsztyn Science and Technology Park – about its desire to locate a scientific facility there. In 2015, the Institute bought a 2.2-hectacre parcel in the immediate vicinity of the Park, where a new headquarters is being built. Construction began in December 2021.

– Throughout the history of the implementation of this investment, we have received tremendous support from the authorities of Olsztyn, the local government of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, the Ministry of Science and Education and politicians from our region. Our project is a very good example of successful cooperation for a common goal – emphasizes Prof. Mariusz Piskuła.

The headquarters is being built under the design-build formula, which means that the contractor, Budimex company, has prepared the project and is implementing it on the basis of the functional-utility program developed by the Institute.

The entire project is an investment planned for more than PLN 95 million. The war in Ukraine and price skyrocketing have escalated its cost by more than PLN 10 million. Funding of more than PLN 79 million comes from EU funds – from the Regional Operational Program of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship for 2014-2020.

The construction of the Institute’s new headquarters is being carried out as part of the „Center for Environmental Research and Innovative Food Technologies for Quality of Life” project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Regional Operational Program of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship for 2014-2020.

Human genes can’t keep up with adaptation to modern diet

The functioning of our body is the result of the evolution of Homo sapiens. Normally, the human genome adapts to changes in the environment many generations, or hundreds to thousands of years. However, it is only during the last 50 years that human life, including diet, has changed so radically that the general population has not yet had time to adapt and cope with lifestyle-related disease problems, such as overweight and obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

– However, our future is in our hands – epigenetics mostly depends on what good (or bad) things we do for our organism. The occurrence of these diseases is influenced by many environmental factors, including our diet, so as long as we take care of our health, we can minimize the risk,” highlights Prof. Carsten Carlberg, leader of the nutrigenomics research group at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

An article on nutrigenomics in the context of evolution has just been published in the journal ‘Redox Biology’.

DIET AFFECTS THE HUMAN BODY MORE THAN YOU THINK

Nutrition is an essential part of life, as it consists of molecules that satisfy our body’s need for macro- and micronutrients. Moreover, some of these molecules directly communicate with the human genome (genetic material) and epigenome (a set of chemical modifications to DNA that regulate genome functions). This complex relationship is the essence of nutrigenomics.

Daily communication between diet and the (epi)genome modulates gene expression in metabolic organs such as fat tissue, skeletal muscle, liver and pancreas, as well as in the brain and immune system. The cellular and molecular biology behind these gene regulatory processes maintains the homeostasis of the human body, which prevents the development of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

– Since the origin of Homo sapiens, most of these pathways of communication: nutrients-genes have not changed. However, our genome has experienced a series of evolutionary pressures caused by environmental changes including the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural one. Human populations have responded to these challenges not only through specific anthropometric adaptations such as skin colour and body height, but also through variation in dietary intake and differential resistance to complex diseases such as cancer and immune disorders. Therefore, insights into the variability of our (epi)genome in the context of individual risk of developing complex diseases help us understand the evolutionary basis of how and why we get sick – says Prof. Carsten Carlberg.

HUMAN LIFESTYLES ARE CHANGING TOO FAST

The adaptation rate of the human genome to environmental changes usually takes many generations, or hundreds to thousands of years. – However, only during the last two generations, or even about 50 years, human lifestyles including eating habits have changed so rapidly and radically that most of us are not (epi)genetically prepared for the challenges of a „Western” diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Indeed, the current facts are that up to 90% of us will end up living with lifestyle-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (e.g. overweight and obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure) – points out Prof. Carsten Carlberg.

The (epi)genome has not kept up with adaptation to the modern diet. For example, humans have been eating low-salt products for most of time. – As a result, our body has developed an efficient system for absorbing this salt from our diet, which was essential in ancient times, but creates many problems today. Today’s diet contains a lot of salt – excess salt causes high blood pressure, which kills 10 million people worldwide each year. However, Prof. Carlberg encourages us not to remain passive in the face of these challenges. – We should not accept this as our fate that cannot be reversed, but rather work to ensure that we do not contract these preventable diseases.

Dr. Agnieszka Mostek-Majewska’s research on protein modifications for improving cattle breeding

The research on protein modifications carried out by Dr. Agnieszka Mostek-Majewska and co-authors has enabled a better understanding of capacitation and the disruption of this process in the semen of livestock, including the bull.

Mammalian sperm, immediately after ejaculation, are not capable of fertilizing an egg. For fertilization to occur, the sperm must undergo a series of biochemical modifications in the female’s oviduct to make it capable of fusing with the egg cell. This process is called capacitation.

Disorders of the process of sperm „conditioning” are one of the most common causes of idiopathic male infertility, unrelated to sperm motility and morphology. For this reason, capacitation rates are increasingly being studied in the diagnosis of infertility, in addition to standard analyses of sperm motility and morphology.

It is known that capacitation disorders can also occur in livestock, but there are few studies describing this problem. However, it is of importance for breeding progress.

The research conducted by Dr. Agnieszka Mostek-Majewska and co-authors on protein modifications has provided a better understanding of capacitation and disorders of this process in livestock spermatozoa. This, in turn, gives hope for the development of effective methods of detecting fertility abnormalities and improvements of cattle breeding. The article “New insights into posttranslational modifications of proteins during bull sperm capacitation” have been recently published in Cell Communication and Signaling. Go to the paper.

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A step towards a 'vaccine’ for egg allergy

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that regulate the immune system. If they have some „experience”, e.g. with an allergenic protein and get transplanted into another organism, then such a transfer will strengthen the immune reaction and the body will start to defend itself better against this protein.

Such an experiment was conducted by scientists from our Institute. They showed that transplanted CD4+ T cells that were in contact with hen’s egg white enhanced the immune response to it. The results were published in the International Journal of Molecular Science.

– The results of our research may be a step towards developing methods of treating patients with allergies – emphasizes the author of the research, Dr. Dagmara Złotkowska from the Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn.

HOW ALLERGIES HAPPEN

A food allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a specific compound, which is an allergen. So it is a type of food hypersensitivity that causes unwanted food reactions, involving the immune system.

In the fight against food allergies, T lymphocytes, i.e. white blood cells, play an important role in regulating the immune system response. – This is a group of cells specializing in defending our body against the undesirable effects of potential allergens – explains Dr. Dagmara Złotkowska.

If we „teached” cells how to recognize and neutralize specific allergenic proteins, these „teachers” could be transferred (e.g. in the form of vaccines) to the body of allergy sufferers to minimize its immune response. – This can be compared to the mechanism of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, where – to put it simply – we do not provide the cells with a virus, but with a „set of instructions” on how to produce antibodies – the researcher points out.

EXPERIMENTAL TRANSFER

The team from the Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology of IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn focused on allergy to hen’s egg protein and the possibility of cross-reactivity with chicken meat proteins. This meat is a common component of the modern diet; allergy to them is relatively rare and occurs independently or in people allergic to egg white (OVA, or ovalbumin, is the main protein found in egg white). CD4+ T cells, on the other hand, are special immune cells that recognize allergens, including the OVA protein.

The experiment involved transplanting experienced (those that had already been in contact with OVA) CD4+ T cells into the body of an animal that was allergic to OVA and fed chicken meat. – It turned out that such a transfer helped to improve the negative immune response to OVA, that is, it strengthened the body’s immune response to the OVA protein, which was previously not recognized and fought off by the immune system. To put it simple, the body began to defend itself better against this protein – indicates Dr. Dagmara Złotkowska.

A CURE FOR FOOD ALLERGY?

The approach of the researchers from Olsztyn is innovative and may contribute to the development of treatment methods for patients with allergies. – So far, the most effective way to treat food allergy is to exercise the elimination diet – which eliminates not only allergens, but also other cross-reacting proteins. I doubt whether we will find a „cure” for allergy in the near future, because many factors and mechanisms affecting it are still not known. The results of our research may, however, be a step towards developing methods of treating patients with allergies, e.g. by giving them „trained” groups of cells that could reduce the immune response to a given allergen. There are still many years of research ahead of us, but the direction seems promising – the researcher concludes.

The year 2022 was the time when the Institute met the global requirements for open access. During this time, a number of tasks were completed to implement the Open Access Policy and fulfill its provisions.

In addition to the aforementioned policy, a Research Data Management Policy has also been developed and implemented. Training for employees was conducted in the scope of both of these documents. A data management plan template has also been prepared, which is available to employees at this link (Research Management Guidance).

In 2022, the employees of the Institute published a total of 171 scientific and review articles, of which 113 were published in journals supporting open access. Thus, the number of papers published in open access accounted for 66.08% of all papers published with the affiliation of IARFR PAS.

In the same period, employees received 21 projects financed from external sources. 18 of them are funded by the National Science Center and have data management plans that regulate issues of open access to scientific publications and research data. 1 project is intended to financially support the Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, which is a journal supporting open access.

As part of implementing the provisions of the Policy, we managed to acquire and launch an IT infrastructure that increases the security of stored data. Its use has been included in the research data management plan template used in the preparation of research project proposals.

We also managed to prepare a research data management plan in line with the requirements of Horizon 2020 for the project „Welcoming ERA Chair to Center of excellence in nutrigenomics for optimizing health and well-being in the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences”, which was one of the project implementation indicators. This information is a summary of the report on the implementation of the Open Access Policy at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn in 2022.

Dr. Magdalena Weidner-Glunde and PhD student Mamata Savanagouder featured as experts in the documentary series „Virus Hunting”

„They are mistakenly seen as a companion only to the cold months (…) Some cause harmless infections, others are a deadly threat,” these words begin the documentary series „Virus Hunting”, which takes a closer look at the achievements of scientists working on the front lines of the fight against viral diseases. The first episode of the series featured Dr. Magdalena Weidner-Glunde, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Virology at our Institute, and Mamata Savanagouder, a PhD student in her team.

Dr. Weidner-Glunde explains what the virus is and why cytomegalovirus research is being conducted at the Institute.

The virus is the kind of package that is supposed to reach the cell and allow the virus to multiply there. This package on the outside has a protein envelope, the so-called capsid, which protects the genome inside. Once inside the cell, this genome is released and allows the virus to replicate, multiply and create new viral particles. – Dr. Weidner-Glunde explains in the episode.

Cytomegalovirus in most cases in healthy people does not cause major problems or strong symptoms, possibly mild cold symptoms. It becomes a problem if the infection occurs in a pregnant woman, because the most common result is partial or total hearing loss in the fetus, later in the newborn. In addition, the problem is that in many cases children are born healthy and only lose their hearing after some time. – she adds.

We encourage you to watch the first episode of the series „Virus Hunting”.

Dr. Daniel Żarski conducted an industry workshop on zander reproduction

On 14 March, at the Mikołajki Fish Farm, Dr. Daniel Żarski conducted an original theoretical and practical workshop on controlled reproduction of zander. The workshop programme was based on actual knowledge and innovative methods developed by Dr. Żarski over a decade of working with significant aquaculture centres across Europe.

Improving freshwater fish reproduction addresses the need to protect the ichthyofauna of open waters. The choice of zander is not accidental – it is of great economic importance; it is also a very popular product, highly appreciated by consumers in Poland and Europe. It contains a lot of protein, vitamins, micro and macro elements.

The workshop was the first of its kind in Poland. Its aim was to transfer knowledge, raise awareness of aquaculture development among entrepreneurs and promote innovation in the field of fishing and aquaculture. It is also an integral part of the Institute’s development, where we emphasize cooperation with business and the exchange of practices developed in our laboratories with entrepreneurs looking for effective solutions.

Photos courtesy of the City of Mikołajki.

The workshop was part of the project „Centre for Environmental Research and Innovative Food Technologies for Quality of Life” co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Regional Operational Program of the Warmia-Mazury Voivodeship for the years 2014-2020.

Spring is coming, so turn your face to the sun and grab some vitamin D

After the autumn-winter period, our body needs vitamin D. Scientists have proven that even a balanced and varied diet is not enough to provide the total daily dose of this vitamin, because skin synthesis is its main source for the body. That’s why they advise you to expose your face to the sun in the spring and catch some vitamin D.

The latest recommendations for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in children and adults in Poland have been developed by a team of scientists representing Polish and international medical societies and national specialist consultants. Their consensus, by Prof. Paweł Płudowski and the whole team has just been published in the journal „Nutrients” (https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030695).

The development of the current guidelines was supported by prof. Carsten Carlberg, researcher of vitamin D, currently the leader of the scientific group dealing with nutrigenomics at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

„We cannot rely on diet as the only source of vitamin D – even a balanced and varied one is not enough, so in the autumn and winter everyone should supplement vitamin D” – indicated Prof. Carlberg as the most important message of the publication.

The most well-known action of vitamin D is to maintain an adequate level of calcium in the body to maintain normal bone structure. „This is the main reason why every child should be supplemented with vitamin D from birth – both in winter and summer. In addition, vitamin D is important for training our immune system to work effectively against microbial infections, but not overreacted to possible autoimmune reactions” – explained Prof. Carlberg.

Long-term vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases – rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. „Vitamin D deficiency also causes malfunction of the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases or autoimmune diseases” – the researcher pointed out.

Prof. Carlberg added that for the average Pole, the level of vitamin D (i.e. the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the blood serum) determining the deficiency is defined below 50 nM (20 ng/ml), although each person is characterized by a different sensitivity to vitamin D.

It has been scientifically proven that even a balanced and varied diet is not able to provide the total daily dose of the body’s demand for vitamin D, because its main source is skin synthesis in contact with UV radiation. However, as the scientists pointed, spending a lot of time indoors, wearing clothes and using sunscreens, as well as low intensity of solar radiation in the autumn and winter months, translates into numerous vitamin D deficiencies during this time.

Therefore, a well-chosen supplementation is crucial. „I suggest choosing the dose of the daily requirement based on body weight – if you weigh up to 75 kg, take 2000 units daily (in the autumn and winter), and if more – 4000 units (but not more; this is the maximum dose)” – advises Prof. Carlberg.

In turn, in the spring and summer months, from April to September, it is worth exposing the skin to the sun (remembering about adequate protection against sunburn). „The time of day is important. Two hours before and after the sun’s zenith (11am-3pm in summer time) are most effective. During this time, 20-30 minutes of exposure of the face and bare shoulders should be enough. Of course, avoiding sunburn each time ” – said Prof. Carlberg.

The scientist added that people who do not spend enough time outdoors even in summer should supplement vitamin D throughout the year.

In the developed guidelines, experts pay particular attention to the need for education in the field of vitamin D supplementation for preventive purposes, addressed primarily to medical societies, medical personnel and decision makers responsible for health policy. They also postulate the inclusion of practical tips on the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in everyday practice.