Vitamin D3 2,500 IU, the new dose in town!

Earlier this year, Health Canada increased the maximum amount of vitamin D permitted in over-the-counter supplements from 1,000 IU to 2,500 IU per dose for adults over 19. This change was prompted by a growing body of evidence supporting the safety of higher vitamin D limits.
By Health First
3 min read
Vitamine D3 2 500 UI, la nouvelle dose en ville!

Earlier this year, Health Canada increased the maximum amount of vitamin D permitted in over-the-counter supplements from 1,000 IU to 2,500 IU per dose for adults over 19. This change was motivated by a growing body of evidence supporting the safety of higher vitamin D limits.

What is vitamin D, and why is it so important?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health, immunity, and mood. We naturally produce vitamin D through our skin with sun exposure, but northern climates and countless hours spent indoors mean we aren't getting adequate amounts. It's difficult to get vitamin D through diet alone, and given the low levels of sun exposure, supplementation is a common practice in Canada.

Why did Health Canada approve this higher dose?

Since 2020, over 130 published studies have examined the potential benefits of vitamin D to support the immune system throughout cold and flu season. Overall, research has demonstrated that individuals with adequate vitamin D serum levels were less likely to experience severe cold and flu symptoms. Some studies have demonstrated that supplementing with vitamin D, even after becoming ill, helped to reduce symptoms by up to 90%!

Who needs this higher dose?

It is important to note that most individuals will maintain an adequate vitamin D serum level by taking a 600-800 IU supplement daily. In Canada, our long winters, short summers, and limited sun exposure can mean we need more, and other factors can also play a role.

  • As we age, skin does not produce vitamin D as efficiently. By age 65, you produce ¼ the amount you did in your 20s.
  • Dark-skinned individuals produce, on average, half the amount of vitamin D as fair-skinned individuals.
  • Vitamin D is fat-soluble, and a higher BMI can lead to lower circulating vitamin D as the vitamin will remain stored in excess adipose tissue.
  • It's hard to get enough vitamin D through our diet. Some foods are fortified, but depending on your food choices and how much you eat, you may not be getting enough.
  • Those with irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, or cystic fibrosis may have difficulty absorbing vitamin D, requiring additional supplementation.

Who doesn’t need it?

  • Those with hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria.
  • Those with kidney disorders as excess vitamin D can lead to kidney stones or additional kidney damage.
  • Those taking medications, including antacids, anticonvulsants, digoxin, cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oil, steroids, statins, and thiazide diuretics.

The bottom line

Vitamin D has long been recommended to support bone and immune health. The ongoing research, demonstrating that an adequate vitamin D reserve can better support an individual's ability to remain healthy throughout our long cold and flu seasons, is promising! While this new dose may be suitable for some, it doesn't mean it's for everyone. Always check with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplement regimen.

Health First® introduces two new products that offer this new 2,500 IU dose. Our Extra Strength Vitamin D3 Softgels each contain 2,500 IU of vitamin D3 in an organic olive oil base. Our Extra Strength Vitamin D3 Liquid provides 2,500 IU per drop in non-GMO sunflower and MCT oils, along with rosemary extract for shelf stability. Like all other Health First® products, they are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, as well as GMOs.