Vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health, as it helps the body absorb calcium. However, recent
studies suggest that older people with lower blood levels of vitamin D are more likely to lose their balance
and fall, possibly because of vitamin D’s role in promoting muscle function. Lower levels of vitamin D
have been associated with a greater risk of fractures, falls, breast and colorectal cancers, poor immunity
and cardiovascular and other diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
When vitamin D deficiency occurs, very little calcium is absorbed. In adults, this can lead to osteoporosis, and in children, rickets. Since vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods like fatty fish and egg yolks, it is added to foods such as milk and margarine. Although vitamin D can be made by the body when the skin
is exposed to sunlight, vitamin D production is unlikely to occur from late October through early March, due to the decrease in sunlight in Canada during this season. Therefore, if you do not have a diet rich in the above foods, or have limited sun exposure, you are at risk for becoming deficient in vitamin D.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance per day of vitamin D, as per Health Canada, assuming minimal sun exposure for all is:
Infants 0-12 months - 400IU
Children 1-8 years - 600IU
Children & Adults 9-70 years - 600IU
Adults >70 years - 800IU
Pregnancy & Lactation - 600IU
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information on vitamin D and if a supplement may be right for you.
Carrie
Seredas Crew