Objective:
The Institute of Medicine, through its Food and Nutrition Board, proposes to convene an ad hoc expert committee to undertake a study to assess current relevant data and update as appropriate the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for vitamin D and calcium as they relate to both adequate and excess intakes.

Approach:
The approach includes a consideration of the possible indicators, with the selection of indicators based on state-of-the-science, strength and quality of the evidence, and the demonstrated public health significance, taking into consideration sources of uncertainty in the evidence. Both chronic disease indicators (e.g. cancer) and non-chronic disease indicators are to be included in the review. The study will be consistent with established risk assessment approaches through (i) indicator identification and interpretation, (ii) dose-response assessment and selection of specific indicators, (iii) current intake/exposure assessment, and (iv) risk characterization. It will also provide for problem formulation steps as well as the identification of research needs. The study will incorporate, as appropriate, systemic evidence-based reviews of the literature and an assessment of potential indicators for adequacy and for excess intake.