The International Standard for Vitamin D

Abstract

Abstract The International Standards for the determination of the different vitamins are part of the indispensable equipment of the laboratories in which this work is carried out. Though the standard materials themselves are so well known, the amount of labour which has been devoted to their creation and adoption and the infinite care which has been taken to ensure their suitability, accessibility and integrity are not so well known or appreciated. The adoption of a crystalline preparation of vitamin D3 to serve as the International Standard for Vitamin D affords a suitable opportunity for outlining the nature of this work, the importance of which to scientific research, medical practice, the problems of nutrition, and the international exchange of ideas, results and materials is now well recognised.