PhD Study : Vitamin D across the lifecycle to inform nutritional policies

Summary

Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphate metabolism and plays a major role in bone health(1).  Research has also shown that vitamin D has other non-skeletal roles including muscle function, immune regulation, brain development and anti-cancer effects(2).  The primary source of vitamin D is via sun exposure, with limited rich dietary sources available.  Ensuring optimal vitamin D status is now a recognised worldwide public health problem(3) and strategies are needed to reduce deficiency and insufficiency as well as prevent excess intake.

In July 2016, the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published new guidelines on vitamin D, recommending a reference nutrient intake (RNI) of 10µg of vitamin D per day throughout the year for everyone in the population aged 4 years and older(4).  This intake refers to all dietary sources of vitamin D including: natural food sources, fortified foods and supplements.

Currently there is a paucity of data from randomised controlled trials to inform specific dietary requirements for young children. A safe intake of between 8.5 and 10µg vitamin D/day is supported for this age group albeit no clear guidance exists. Factors such as sun-exposure, diet (including fortififed foods) and optimal need to be considered.

The aim of this proposed PhD is to investigate factors predicting vitamin D status across the lifecycle to inform nutritional policies. The main objectives of this PhD research will be met using a range of research methods, to:

*systematically review the literature to critically evaluate changes in vitamin D status and intake across the lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on the current evidence in children

*determine factors predicting status across the lifecycle (using all available ‘biobank’ data from previous studies)

*using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map vitamin D status of a sample of the population and identify spatial variations that may exist.

*conduct a randomised controlled trial in children to establish the distribution of dietary vitamin D required to maintain vitamin D status throughout wintertime to inform dietary guidelines

The proposed research will extend the vitamin D research expertise of NICHE, building on the existing evidence-base and directly informing the REF Impact Case Study on ‘Vitamin D and Health’ for Biomedical Sciences.

The PhD researcher appointed to the project will be given every opportunity to maximise on training by participating in relevant workshops, specialist skills sessions, relevant online courses, PhD researcher initiatives and personal development activities organised by the Doctoral College. In addition, the student will be expected and strongly encouraged to prepare and present their research findings when appropriate at national and international conferences.

References

1.Wintermeyer E, Ihle C, Ehnert S, Stöckle U, Ochs G, de Zwart P, Flesch I, Bahrs C, Nussler AK. Crucial Role of Vitamin D in the Musculoskeletal System. Nutrients 2016,1;8(6), 319-335.

2.Wacker M & Holick MF. Vitamin D—Effects on skeletal and extraskeletal health and the need for supplementation. Nutrients 2013,5, 111–148.

3.Hollick MF, Chen TC. Vitamin D deficiency a worldwide problem with health consequences. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:10805–68 4.Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) (July 2016) Vitamin

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living