March 24, 2010 – Two in three Canadians do not have a “desirable level of vitamin D for the maintenance of overall health and the prevention of disease”, according to a report prepared for Statistics Canada1.
Globally, 4% of the population in the country suffers from a vitamin D deficiency and 10% show an inadequate concentration for the maintenance of bone health, the report reads. Among other things, vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
The data comes from a survey of 5,306 Canadians aged 6 to 79 years. A blood sample was taken from each and the level of vitamin D (25 hydroxycholecalciferol) in it was assessed.
According to several studies, an adequate level of vitamin D could prevent various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and certain cancers. However, populations living in northern latitudes often have an insufficient level of vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight in winter.
In Canada, sufficient vitamin D intake for ages 0 to 50 is 200 IU, and 400 IU for ages 51 to 70.
Several specialists consider these contributions clearly insufficient to prevent the disease. This is why they recommend increasing them to 1000 IU per day (25 µg) for adults living in the northern hemisphere.
In addition, a committee of experts is currently examining the question, at the request of Health Canada and several American federal institutions. If necessary, they could recommend an increase in sufficient intakes. The report is expected by the end of summer 2010.
Pierre Lefrançois and Julie Fortier – PasseportSanté.net
1. Statistics Canada, Vitamin D levels in Canadians according to the results of the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2007-2009, March 2010.
