Are you at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient. We generally get the vitamin D we need from the sun’s rays, which gives vitamin D its nickname “the sunshine vitamin.” Unfortunately, there are two major problems that prevent most Canadians from getting sufficient amounts of vitamin D. First, modern concerns about the harmful effects of sun exposure mean that Canadians tend to limit their time in the sun. Second, Canada is a northern country with very limited sunshine during the winter months. Health experts believe that as many as 80% of Canadians don’t get enough vitamin D during the winter months, from October to March. 1 Cited in the Globe & Mail, Dr. Rohan Gunasingham said, “From now [October] on, if you’re in Toronto, you can forget it. You won’t make vitamin D even if you go outside and stay out there with no clothes on.”2
Inadequate Vitamin D intake is associated with major illnesses
How then to ensure you have a sufficient amount of this vitamin? Studies show that supplementing with vitamin D, specifically D3, is an effective way to obtain vitamin D. 3 The costs of inadequate vitamin D intake are high.
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with:
- More than a dozen different kinds of malignancies, including those of the breast, prostate, colon, pancreas, ovaries and gut 4
- low bone density and poor calcium absorption 5
- reduced immune modulation 6
- incidence of daytime sleepiness 7
- back pain, muscle aches, and painful joint inflammation, especially in seniors 1
- low energy levels during the winter months 1
- greater incidence of falls in seniors 8
How much Vitamin D do you need?
Recent studies suggest that levels of 1,000IU per day are needed to prevent serious illness, although evidence that amounts above 1,500 IU may be appropriate is beginning to be studied. 3,4 Earlier this year, Health Canada raised the maximum amount of vitamin D in over-the-counter supplements from 1,000 IU to 2,500 IU per dose for adults over 19 years of age. This change was prompted by a growing body of evidence supporting the safety of higher vitamin D limits.
Studies show that most Americans only receive 320 IU per day, and Canadians receive even less sun due to our northern location. 3 The D3 form of vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, is considered the most effective form, being better utilized by the body than the D2 form.
It seems barely a week goes by without new studies being reported in the media. Since 2020, over 300 published studies have investigated the potential benefits of vitamin D to support our immune system through cold and flu season. Overall, research has shown that individuals with adequate serum vitamin D levels were less likely to experience severe cold and flu symptoms. Some studies showed that vitamin D supplementation even after becoming sick helped to reduce symptoms by as much as 90%!
Many Canadians lack this “sunshine” vitamin—especially during the winter months—leading to an increased risk of weakened bones, inflammation, and reduced immunity. Health First ® offers several vitamin D products to support every member of the family. From delicious chewable chocolate tablets, soft gels, or easy-to-use single drops, there is an option to support everyone during our long winter months. And like all other Health First ® products, they are free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and GMOs.