RE your story, "Study links dementia with excess of calcium"

(Echo, May 14). The results of the investigation into possible links between high intakes of calcium and vitamin D, and brain lesions in the elderly, need to be put into context.

The report talks about high intakes of calcium and vitamin D, but does not state what "high"

means in the context of this study.

This is important because in the UK people do not typically have high intakes of calcium or vitamin D.

Some may have increased intakes if they are taking supplements, but this is not the norm at a population level.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients which perform a variety of functions. We should not imply that people ought to reduce their intake without much more evidence, and very specific evidence on what "high" means.

Milk and dairy foods help people to meet their nutrient requirements.

The most recent diet and nutrition surveys in the UK indicate that in many cases intakes of calcium are less than ideal.

It would be a shame to unnecessarily avoid, or exclude, milk and dairy foods in response to this study, since evidence for health benefits far outweigh that for any harm.

Dr Judith Bryans, Director, The Dairy Council, London.