Introduction:

On February 3, 2012 the Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) in Health & Wellness once again kicked off its annual Markin Lecture Series. In light of the huge success of last year's Vitamin D Debate, and based on the feedback received from the audience and participants, it was decided that a follow-up event was not only necessary but would be welcomed. The format this year was augmented to include a segment allowing each of the panelists the opportunity to present their research and their viewpoints on this topic. These presentations were followed with a lively debate between the panelists as to the merits of various dosages of vitamin D. As always, one of the most important and popular components of the event was the audience question and answer (Q & A) period following the debate. This session proved to be an excellent platform for the audience to elicit real-life health implications regarding the intake of vitamin D and to further explore the researchers' opinions and expertise in this area.

Dr. Stuart Wilkinson (Clinical Director – Pure North S'Energy Foundation), Dr. Glenville Jones (Craine Professor – Department of Biochemistry, Queen's University), Dr. Reinhold Vieth (Professor – Department of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto) and Dr. David A. Hanley (Professor – Departments of Medicine, Community Health Sciences and Oncology, University of Calgary) represented leading researchers, practitioners and experts in the area of vitamin D.

Once again, the venue (the Alberta Room at the U of C) was filled to capacity with approximately 325 audience members from the U of C community, the Calgary health care system and the greater Calgary community. These audience members, alongside two undergraduate classes, thoroughly enjoyed the professional sparring and wealth of information presented. This year, audience members were asked to participate in an informal written survey regarding their current vitamin D intake and soliciting their opinion of vitamin D supplementation before and after the debate. The audience indicated that 63% of them already take vitamin D supplements. Of the 35% who indicated they did not use vitamin D supplements, the debate convinced them to include these supplements in their daily life. In addition, 42% of all respondents said their viewpoints changed as a result of the debate. Finally, after the debate, 50% of the respondents believed they should increase their daily intake of vitamin D.

In summary, was highly successful and was valuable in providing students, health care workers, and individuals from the community with knowledge from cutting-edge research to make informed decisions concerning their health and wellness.

The Survey:

Audience members at The Vitamin D Debate Revisited were asked to participate in a 6-question survey. The survey questions and the results are available in pdf format here.

The expert panel; presentations

To view Dr. Hanley's presentation, click here To view Dr. Jones' presentation, click here To view Dr. Vieth's presentation, click here To view Dr. Wilkinson's presentation, click here

Podcast of Vitamin D Debate - February 3, 2012

To view the podcast, please click HERE. Note: This video will open in a separate window.

The Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) in Health & Wellness

would like to thank Mr. Allan Markin, sole donor for this University-wide interfaculty program, for his generosity in promoting undergraduate student research.



