Fellow Canadians,
We need your help!
Let’s make a significant improvement in our collective health and save our country billions of dollars annually by simply paying attention to our vitamin D sufficiency.
Please do the following:
- Read the Abstract click here and the full document click here if possible.
- Consider if you are vitamin D sufficient or if supplementary vitamin D is advisable for you, your family and your friends.
- Discuss vitamin D testing and sufficiency with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare providers.
- Contact the following with your vitamin D concerns: your local public health officer, provincial public health officer, provincial MP/MLA, federal MP, and any others who would benefit from you educating them.
- Request that vitamin D testing be covered by provincial health plans to help citizens take appropriate doses of vitamin D.
Kanji Nakatsu, PhD
Emeritus Professor, Pharmacology, Queen’s University
Chair, CCCA Vitamin D Sufficiency Initiative
The “old guy” has enough Vit D in the tank to power a bicycle across Canada this spring 2024.
What’s the big D-eal?
Are Canadians Getting Enough?
Probably Not. Multiple studies have shown most Canadians have insufficient body levels of vitamin D (VitD, the sunshine vitamin) to ensure optimal health. The primary reason for this is inadequate exposure to sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays because of our northern location and indoor work, although genetics, diet, skin pigmentation, clothing, sun screen use, air pollutants, age and other factors also contribute to VitD insufficiency
Why Worry?
Many Reasons. Low VitD levels are strongly associated with a broad spectrum of diseases that hamper our enjoyment of good health. Examples of these diseases include: cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, multiple sclerosis, dementia, other neurological disorders, and poor oral health
Where is it needed?
Everywhere! The fundamental importance of VitD is demonstrated by the location of specific receptors for this essential vitamin in virtually every type of human cell, where they regulate hundreds of cellular processes to maintain good health.
How much is enough?
More than you think. Evidence now shows that the amount of VitD needed to ensure bone health is lower than that required for optimal function of its many other actions. While Health Canada’s suggested daily dose for bone health ranges from 400 to 800 IU/day, many researchers, doctors and health associations advocate much higher daily doses. Our scientific assessment is based on blood levels of 125 nmol/l. At 5000 IU/ day, it could take the average person 3-6 months to achieve sufficiency. Thus, we recommend that citizens evaluate their own VitD sufficiency and consider supplementation as necessary.
Healthcare spending benefits?
Yes, a lot! Evidence indicates that the Canadian population would be significantly healthier if it were to become VitD sufficient. Moreover, the annual savings to healthcare costs would exceed $23 billion (~6-7% of total healthcare spending in Canada for 2023, estimated to be $344 billion).
Get Involved and Spread the Word!
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Distribute “Are you getting enough?” information to your contacts
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Distribute information about vitamin D through your social media contacts
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Assist with the symposium
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Help make one-minute videos about Vitamin D
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Talk with your family doctor and other healthcare professionals about vitamin D sufficiency
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Contact your public health officer, MP and MLA
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Wear informative clothing like the “Are you getting enough?” T-shirt
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Bicycle with me for an hour, bring your kids if the road is safe.
Upcoming Events
April-June
Kanji Cycles Across Canada
Follow Kanji’s epic journey spreading awareness for the benefits of Vitamin D.
Look for updates on Instagram @dvitaman
Nov 01-02
Vitamin D Symposium
Symposium on Vitamin D for the public, healthcare professionals and scientists.
Dates to be confirmed.
Venue to be determined
• Nov 1st event – Toronto (North York area), Ontario.
• Nov 2nd event – Chatham area, Ontario.
Registration details coming soon.
Podcast and Videos
Research Materials
Vitamin D is Essential for Optimal Health:
Are you getting enough?
Most Canadians do not have sufficient levels of vitamin D to support their physiology and optimal health. Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is essential for the function of virtually every cell in the human body, highlighting its potential impact on health and wellbeing. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is a simple, cost effective, and powerful public health initiative for optimizing the well-being of Canadians.
March 10, 2024 Edition
Appendix 1: Criticisms and Responses to the Report entitled “Vitamin D is Essential for Optimal Health: Are You Getting Enough?”
March 4, 2024 Edition
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