[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 194 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51869-51870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24334]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health


ODS Nutrient Biomarkers Analytical Methodology: Vitamin D 
Workshop; Notice

    Notice is hereby given of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) Nutrient Biomarkers Analytical 
Methodology: Vitamin D Workshop to be held Wednesday, December 16, 2009 
at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Bethesda, 
Maryland 20852.
    Summary: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally 
present in very few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary 
supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from 
sunlight strike the

[[Page 51870]]

skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun 
exposure, food, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo 
two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first occurs in the 
liver and converts vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], also 
known as calcidiol. The second occurs primarily in the kidney and forms 
the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 
[1,25(OH)2D], also known as calcitriol.
    Serum concentration of 25(OH)D is the best indicator of exposure to 
vitamin D from all sources. It reflects vitamin D produced cutaneously 
and that obtained from food and supplements. There is considerable 
discussion of the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D associated with 
deficiency (e.g., rickets), adequacy for bone health, and optimal 
overall health. In fact, different assay methods are used to assess 
25(OH)D. The methods themselves vary and there are considerable 
differences among laboratory results even when they use the same 
method.
    Given the uncertainties in vitamin D measurement, the NIH/ODS will 
host this one-day workshop to evaluate the state of analytical methods. 
The intent of the Nutrient Biomarkers Analytical Methodology: Vitamin D 
Workshop is to develop strategies for resolving inconsistencies between 
results obtained following quantitative determination of selected 
nutrients in biological materials such as serum when different 
measurement techniques are used. The desired outcomes of this meeting 
are to identify strengths and weaknesses of analytical approaches 
available for the quantification of the nutritional biomarker of 
Vitamin D status, circulating 25(OH)D in biological samples and to 
discuss analytical methods, including criteria for selection of 
method(s); role of reference methods and samples; sample preparation 
and interpretation of results.
    The workshop will consist of a series of short, focused podium 
presentations interspersed with open discussion sessions on the 
currently available analytical methods and interpretation of findings. 
A final session will summarize the discussions, identify knowledge 
gaps, and suggest a research agenda for future studies.
    The sponsor of this meeting is the NIH Office of Dietary 
Supplements.

Registration

    Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served 
basis. There is no registration fee to attend the workshop. To register 
please forward your name and complete mailing address including phone 
number via e-mail to Ms. Tricia Wallich at [email protected]. Ms. 
Wallich will be coordinating the registration for this meeting. If you 
wish to make an oral presentation during the meeting, you must indicate 
this when you register and submit the following information: (1) A 
brief written statement of the general nature of the comments that you 
wish to present, (2) the name and address of the person(s) who will 
give the presentation, and (3) the approximate length of time that you 
are requesting for your presentation. Depending on the number of people 
who register to make presentations, we may have to limit the time 
allotted for each presentation. If you don't have access to e-mail 
please call Ms. Wallich at 301-670-0270.

    Dated: October 2, 2009.
Paul M. Coates,
Director, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. E9-24334 Filed 10-7-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P