Fast Facts About Vitamin D3:

• Though we obtain some of our vitamin D from dietary sources (most often fortified foods), most is made in our bodies through sun exposure.
• In Canada, a lack of direct sunlight in winter means we don’t typically get enough exposure to make adequate vitamin D from October to April.
• Approximately 1/3 of Canadians have vitamin D levels above 75 nmol/L, the minimum level optimal for health. Meaning that 2/3’s of us are deficient! (http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2010001/article/11131/findings-resultats-eng.htm)
• A 2010 study estimated that 37,000 deaths could be prevented every year if the Canadian average vitamin D level was 105 nmol/L. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20352622)

Risks for Low Levels of Vitamin D:

• SPF 15 sunscreen reduces D synthesis by 99%.
• Dark skin – melanin can reduce vitamin D synthesis by up to 99%
• Age – synthesis decreases by about 75% in a 70 year old
• Low body fat levels – vitamin D is fat soluble
• Specific medications can speed up breakdown of vitamin D
• Cholesterol-lowering medications – having too-low cholesterol impairs the body’s ability to make vitamin D.

Did You Know?

• Certain health conditions are associated with dramatically reduced stores of vitamin D3 and show benefit from significant supplementation.

• Low levels of vitamin D may be linked to other diseases, including breast and colon cancer, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, depression, and obesity (http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-d#ixzz3HS1jRS7X )
• OHIP will only cover the cost of vitamin D testing for patients with: Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Malabsorption Syndromes, Renal Disease, Patients on medications that affect vitamin D metabolism

• The blood test for Vitamin D3 costs ~$35 – speak to your MD or Naturopathic Doctor today to request testing!