Brighten up the winter days
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. Generally, sunlight provides us with the vitamin D we need, hence its nickname "sunshine vitamin." Unfortunately, two main factors prevent most Canadians from getting enough. First, modern concerns about the negative effects of sun exposure mean that Canadians tend to limit their time in the sun. Second, Canada is a northern country where the amount of sunlight is very limited during the winter months. Health experts believe that as many as 80% of Canadians do not get enough vitamin D during the winter months, from October to March.1 Quoted in the Globe & Mail, Dr. Rohan Gunasingham stated, "From now [October] on, if you live in Toronto, forget the sun. You won't get any vitamin D from it even if you were outdoors completely naked."2
Insufficient Vitamin D Intake is Associated with Serious Diseases
So, how can we ensure we get enough of this vitamin? Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation, especially D3, is an effective way to obtain vitamin D. 3 The costs associated with a lack of vitamin D are significant.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with the following:
- More than a dozen different types of malignancies, including those of the breast, prostate, colon, pancreas, ovaries, and intestines4
- Low bone density and poor calcium absorption5
- Weakened immune modulation6
- Increased incidence of daytime sleepiness7
- Back pain, muscle pain, and painful joint inflammation, especially in seniors1
- Low energy levels, especially during winter months1
- Higher incidence of falls in seniors8
How Much Vitamin D Do We Need?
Recent studies suggest that a level of 1,000 IU per day is necessary to prevent serious diseases, although new studies provide evidence that amounts greater than 1,500 IU may be appropriate. 3,4 Health Canada recommends a limit of 1,000 IU per day, while the U.S.-based National Academy of Sciences has set the maximum tolerable intake of vitamin D at 2,000 IU per day. Some sources suggest that amounts exceeding 2,000 IU per day can lead to excessive calcium absorption, which can harm the liver and kidneys.9
Studies show that most Americans only get 320 IU per day and that Canadians get even less sunlight due to our northern location. 3
The D3 form of vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, is considered to be the most effective and best utilized by the body compared to the D2 form.
Vitamin D Studies in the News
It seems that almost every week new studies on the subject are published. Below is a summary of some recent headlines and research:
- A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a significant reduction in the overall risk of cancer in postmenopausal women who took vitamin D and calcium.10
- Adults at higher risk of low vitamin D should consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 1,000 IU per day year-round.
- These individuals include those who…
- are older;
- have dark skin;
- do not go outside often; and
- wear clothes that cover almost all of their skin.
- Vitamin D is an effective anti-inflammatory for cardiovascular health.11
- According to a study from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, older adults with vitamin D deficiency have a higher risk of falling compared to those with sufficient intake. Falls are significant causes of mortality in seniors.
- Vitamin D can help combat seasonal affective disorder. Some studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation is more effective than light therapy in reducing symptoms of winter blues.12
Many Canadians lack "sunshine vitamin," especially during winter months, leading to an increased risk of weakened bones, inflammation, and serious diseases. Vitamin D Supreme contains Bioperine® to promote greater absorption and red bioflavonoids for enhanced effect.