Purpose

Numerous studies, including those by the research institution (University of Thessaly), have proven that vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem in Greece, characterized as a "modern nutritional epidemic". The reasons are that most foods do not contain the vitamin, while its synthesis in the skin from the sun is not sufficient due to reduced exposure and sunscreens. The solution to address hypovitaminosis is the use of foods enriched with vitamin D.

The purpose of the project is to apply the know-how developed by the University of Thessaly for the production of animal feeds with vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) that will be used for the production of eggs rich in vitamin D. The research organization determines the composition of the animal feeds, which are produced by the animal feed industry, certified by the University and used by the poultry farm for the production of eggs with increased vitamin D content.

The program develops products of increased added value with export potential, namely innovative animal feeds and biofunctional eggs with vitamin D, and contributes to solving a public health problem. The production of special animal feeds and vitamin D-rich eggs is expected to benefit the poultry farming and animal feed production sectors and through them to stimulate the local economy with investments, increased production and the production of innovative value products.