Shine on Scotland and The MS Society Scotland has organised an International Summit on vitamin d to be held in September, where the link between vitamin D deficiency and the disease will be discussed. The renowned scientists and researchers attending hope to persuade Scottish Ministers to take action on vitamin D as a pressing public health issue.

Scottish Vitamin D Summit Captures International Attention

For immediate release : July 21st 2010

Shine on Scotland campaigners and the MS Society Scotland held productive talks with the Scottish Government yesterday as planning continues for the Scottish Summit on Vitamin D and MS which will take place in Glasgow in September.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon will open the event at which international researchers and scientists will be present to discuss the latest research on vitamin D and the implications for public health policy in Scotland.

In recent weeks more researchers from as far afield as Australia have confirmed their attendance at the summit.  International media organisations have also expressed an interest in the event which looks set to be high profile.

Looking ahead to September, Ryan McLaughlin said:

“It’s incredibly exciting that it’s now so close.  A lot of work has gone into the campaign and hopefully this summit will make a real difference.  The Scottish Government and Parliament have been very supportive of the campaign and it’s great to have reached this stage”.

Craig Wilkie, Head of Policy and Communications at MS Society Scotland also attended the meeting at St Andrews House:

“The Summit is a great opportunity to bring internationally renowned researchers to Scotland to discuss a hugely important public health issue.  The focus will be a practical one in terms of public health policy and we have the chance to learn lessons from other countries and make a significant contribution to the health of the nation”.

International Summit on Vitamin D and MS – A Summary

The summit brought together researchers and policy makers to discuss the vital issue of vitamin D and public health in Scotland. Cabinet Secretary Nicola Sturgeon delivered the keynote address and highlighted the government’s awareness campaign on vitamin D. Moreover, she assured the summit that the government was listening.