Between 70% and 97% of Canadians demonstrate vitamin D insufficiency. Furthermore, studies assessing 25(OH)D levels of vitamin D at 25-40nmol/l reveal that many Canadians have profoundly deficient levels.
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.
Does Canada have enough vitamin D?
Canada simply does not get enough sun in the winter months to provide sufficient vitamin D levels, even if the weather were such that we could suntan. We are too far from the equator. This is exacerbated in those with darker skin tones, because they need more UV rays to synthesize the same amount of vitamin D.
Is vitamin D deficiency very common?
How common is vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D deficiency is a common global issue. About 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency. Approximately 35% of adults in the United States have vitamin D deficiency.
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 nutrients do Canadians lack?
5 of the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Canada
- Magnesium.
- Vitamin B12.
- Calcium.
- Vitamin D.
- Vitamin A.
What are normal vitamin D levels 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.
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.
What should some Canadians do to avoid vitamin D deficiency?
“If you don’t get sunshine exposure, especially in the winter months, then you have to fill in the gap with supplements,” he said. Healthy adults under age 50 should have 400-1,000 international units daily, according to Osteoporosis Canada, which recommends routine year-round supplementation.
Why is everyone suddenly vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons: You don’t consume the recommended levels of the vitamin over time. This is likely if you follow a strict vegan diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk, and beef liver.
Is low vitamin D something to worry about?
For most adults, vitamin D deficiency is not a concern. However, some groups — particularly people who are obese, who have dark skin and who are older than age 65 — may have lower levels of vitamin D due to their diets, little sun exposure or other factors.
How long does it take to recover from vitamin D deficiency?
How Much Vitamin D Do I Need Per Day? Besides going outdoors in the sunshine, there are two others ways to improve the amount of vitamin D in your system: eating foods rich in vitamin D and supplements. “Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months time.
What prevents vitamin D absorption?
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.
What percentage of people are vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is already extremely common, affecting approximately 42% of the U.S. population, according to research published in the National Institutes of Health database.
What race is deficient in vitamin D?
Abstract. Vitamin D insufficiency is more prevalent among African Americans (blacks) than other Americans and, in North America, most young, healthy blacks do not achieve optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations at any time of year.
What is the most common nutrient deficiency in Canada and causes anemia?
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type, but low levels of folate or vitamin B-12 can also cause the condition, and a low vitamin C intake can contribute to it. Anemia affects over 30% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
What are the 3 most common nutritional problem of the country?
13 The most common micronutrient deficiencies are Vitamin A, iron-deficiency anemia, 14 zinc, and iodine (1).
What is the number 1 nutrient deficiency in the world?
Iron Iron deficiency
1. Iron. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and is one of the leading factors contributing to the global burden of disease. Iron deficiency can also lead to anemia, a blood condition that results in fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low immune support.
How many Canadians are deficient in vitamin D?
Between 70% and 97% of Canadians demonstrate vitamin D insufficiency. Furthermore, studies assessing 25(OH)D levels of vitamin D at 25-40nmol/l reveal that many Canadians have profoundly deficient levels.
Should Canadians take vitamin D in winter?
Health Canada and Osteoporosis Canada therefore recommend that we take a vitamin D supplement every day during the winter (or throughout the year in individuals at greater risk of a deficiency).