Although most Canadians have sufficient vitamin D levels, an important proportion (32%) remains below the cut-off of 50 nmol/L deemed optimal for bone health and on which the current recommended intakes are based.
Is vitamin D deficiency common in Canada?
Between 70% and 97% of Canadians demonstrate vitamin D insufficiency.
What is the normal level of vitamin D in Canada?
25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)
| 25(OH)D Levels and Health 1, 4–6 | |
|---|---|
| <30 nmol/L | Risk of vitamin D deficiency (rickets or osteomalacia) |
| 30-50 nmol/L | Clinical features of inadequacy in some individuals |
| ≥50 nmol/L | Adequate for bone health in practically all individuals |
| > 125 nmol/L | Concern for vitamin D toxicity |
Should I take vitamin D if I live in Canada?
These factors can apply to many people living in Canada. This is why we recommend vitamin D from foods or a supplement every day.
Do Canadians get enough vitamin D in winter?
According to the latest Statistics Canada report from 2015, in the winter, about 40 per cent of Canadians were below the appropriate cut-off of vitamin D levels needed for healthy bones — 50 nmol/L. In the summertime, 25 per cent of the population were below the cut-off.
What is the most common vitamin deficiency in Canada?
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, has been found to be the number one vitamin that Canadians are deficient in. The vast majority of our vitamin D intake comes from the sun.
How do Canadians get vitamin D?
Cheese and yogurt can be made with vitamin D-fortified milk, however, the final product does not contain as much vitamin D as fluid milk alone. The only natural sources of vitamin D in the Canadian food supply are fatty fish and egg yolks.
Can you get enough vitamin D from the sun in Canada?
In Canada, we don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight because of the weather and use of sunscreen for skin safety. Vitamin D is mostly found in fish and fortified foods such as plain milk and fortified unsweetened soy beverage.
How much vitamin D in Canadian winter?
If you are an adult (age 9 and up), consider taking up to 4000 IU supplement of vitamin D per day during the winter or if you are at risk of low sun exposure.
What are the signs you need vitamin D?
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
- Fatigue.
- Not sleeping well.
- Bone pain or achiness.
- Depression or feelings of sadness.
- Hair loss.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Getting sick more easily.
How many Canadians have vitamin D deficiency?
Just over two-thirds of Canadians (68%) had vitamin D blood levelsabove the cut-off, according to Cycle 2 data from the CHMS (Chart 1). Conversely, about one third (32%) had concentrations of vitamin D below the cut-off, this rate also includes those who were vitamin D deficient– 10%14 of Canadians were deficient.
How long do you need to be exposed to sun for vitamin D?
Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week. People with darker skin may need a little more than this.
Can you get vitamin D in the winter sun?
Q. Can I get enough vitamin D from sunlight, even if I live in a place with little sunlight during the winter? A. Most people can make enough vitamin D from sun exposure during the summer, but for many, synthesis can be inadequate in the winter.
What time of year are vitamin D levels lowest?
Levels tend to bottom out around January or February (August in the southern hemisphere). Interestingly enough, that’s the prime time for the cold and flu. Several studies show that vitamin D is linked with immune system function and the risk of respiratory tract infection goes up when levels in the body go down.
How long do you need to be in the sun to get vitamin D in winter?
As a result, the best way to get enough vitamin D is through the sunlight. “I recommend for people to get out for at least 15–20 minutes in the afternoon, so their bodies can absorb the sunlight.”
Where is vitamin D deficiency most common in the world?
Worldwide, many countries report very high prevalences of low vitamin D status. 25(OH)D levels <30 nmol/L (or 12 ng/ml) in >20% of the population are common in India, Tunisia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. For example, it has been estimated that 490 million individuals are vitamin D deficient in India [2, 17].
What are common deficiencies in Canada?
5 of the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Canada
- Magnesium.
- Vitamin B12.
- Calcium.
- Vitamin D.
- Vitamin A.
What vitamin is hardest to get?
1. Vitamin D. “Vitamin D is crucial for our energy, bones, and immune system, but difficult to get enough of from foods alone,” says Leah Kleinschrodt, RD, registered dietitian with Nutritional Weight & Wellness in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Can I get enough vitamin D naturally?
Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, though some foods are fortified with the vitamin. For most people, the best way to get enough vitamin D is taking a supplement because it is hard to eat enough through food.
Does Canada put vitamin D in milk?
Cow’s milk is fortified with vitamin D in Canada and is the main source of vitamin D in the Canadian diet. While our skin can make vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s UV rays (hence the name ‘sunshine vitamin’), this is limited during the winter in Canada.
Do Canada add vitamin D to milk?
According to food law5, milk in Canada is fortified with vitamin D so that 1 cup (250 mL) provides 2.5 µg or 100 IU.