The Department of Health and Social Care has profiled Professor Sue Lanham‑New’s contribution to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). A member since June 2010, she is presented as a university scientist whose committee work has informed national guidance. The case study was published on 3 February 2026 by the Government Office for Science. (gov.uk)
Her research focuses on nutrition and bone health with sustained attention to vitamin D. The profile records that she was motivated to join SACN for its rigorous approach to evidence, having previously looked to the work of SACN’s predecessor, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy. (gov.uk)
SACN provides independent advice on nutrition to the 4 UK health departments and other public bodies. It sits within the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in DHSC, operates with a published framework for evidence evaluation, and is supported by a specialist secretariat. (gov.uk)
In 2016, SACN’s Vitamin D and Health report established the UK’s first Reference Nutrient Intake for vitamin D at 10 micrograms per day for people aged 4 years and over, alongside safe intakes for infants and young children. The values refer to total intake from food and supplements and were set to protect musculoskeletal health throughout the year. (gov.uk)
That RNI now anchors public guidance. NHS advice states that everyone should consider taking a daily 10 microgram supplement during autumn and winter, with year‑round supplementation for higher‑risk groups and 8.5–10 micrograms for infants; eligible families can access free supplements via Healthy Start. (nhs.uk)
According to DHSC, Lanham‑New served on SACN’s vitamin D working group that produced the 2016 recommendations. She characterises her contribution as a critical voice focused on robust, public‑interest advice and on using recommendations to signal research gaps. (gov.uk)
The case study also highlights collaboration with Chief Scientific Advisers and other advisory groups, and praises the SACN secretariat’s technical support and delivery at pace. SACN’s own documentation explains how the secretariat works with members to develop risk assessments and underpin reports. (gov.uk)
SACN continues to review vitamin D policy questions. Its annual report records a working group assessing the potential impact of mandatory fortification and whether new evidence since 2016 affects intake recommendations, with papers developed during 2023–2024. (gov.uk)
For policy teams, a clear RNI simplifies messaging, procurement and programme design. It provides a consistent baseline for NHS communications and local clinical protocols; this is an inference drawn from national advice and SACN’s remit rather than a formal statement. (nhs.uk)
Lanham‑New encourages academics to observe committees and engage across advisory bodies. SACN notes that, where possible, main meetings are held in open session and observers can register with the secretariat-useful for researchers seeking to understand how evidence is translated into advice. (gov.uk)