May 25, 2006

TORONTO, ON - An announcement today from several national health groups, including Dietitians of Canada, focuses the spot light on an important health concern – many Canadians may not be getting enough vitamin D. This is one of the key findings from the first North American conference on the relationships between ultraviolet light (UVB radiation) from sunlight, vitamin D status and health. Dietitians of Canada, the national professional association of dietitians, is concerned about the health implications of this issue.

Why is there a concern about vitamin D?
Vitamin D is important for its role in bone health for children and adults and prevention of fractures in the elderly. There is also a growing body of evidence that vitamin D may have a beneficial effect on some types of cancer, in particular colorectal cancer, and other immune-related diseases.

Vitamin D is obtained through skin exposure to UVB radiation from sunlight, as well as through diet. In Canada, for most of the winter months, there is insufficient UVB radiation from sunlight to promote vitamin D production in the skin. With regard to diet, research indicates that many Canadians do not meet their needs for vitamin D from foods, especially those over 50 years of age.

Who is at greatest risk for inadequate vitamin D?

• The elderly - as one ages, there is reduced production of vitamin D in the body; older people are more likely to be housebound, further limiting their exposure to UVB radiation. Inadequate intake of vitamin D-containing foods also contributes to the problem.


• Individuals with dark skin – the ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight exposure varies with the amount of skin pigmentation; the darker one’s skin, the lower the production of vitamin D.


• Exclusively breastfed infants – exclusive breastfeeding is the most suitable nourishment for infants up to 6 months of age, but the vitamin D content of breast milk does not provide sufficient amounts for the infant.


• Individuals who wear clothing covering most of their bodies due to cultural or religious reasons and those who often eat few dietary sources of vitamin D.


• During the winter, populations living above 37 degrees latitude (Canada and Northern US).

Can diet alone provide enough vitamin D?
There are few dietary sources of vitamin D – fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, are the main natural sources. Most vitamin D in the diet comes from fortified foods including all cows’ milk (fluid, evaporated and dried – but not milk products such as ice cream or cheese), margarine and fortified plant-based beverages. Infant formulas, meal replacements and nutritional supplements are also fortified with vitamin D. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) - the dietary standard for Canada- adults up to age 50 need 200 IU/day of vitamin D; those between 51-70 require 400 IU; and individuals over 71 years need 600 IU daily.

Dr. Susan Whiting, nutrition advisor to the Osteoporosis Society of Canada says, “Guidelines produced by the Osteoporosis Society of Canada and endorsed by several professional organizations, including Dietitians of Canada, recommend that adults over 50 who are at risk for osteoporosis need 800 IU of vitamin D. One would need to drink more than 3 cups of fluid milk per day to achieve this level of vitamin D. This is likely unrealistic for most older adults.”

Are vitamin D supplements recommended and if so, how much should one take?
Current recommendations from Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society advise that all exclusively breastfed infants receive a daily supplement providing 10 µg/d (400 IU) vitamin D from birth.

Says Dr. Stephanie Atkinson, vitamin D researcher and scientific advisor to DC, “Many experts believe that the current recommendation for adults for vitamin D is too low to prevent health problems, especially for those over 50 years of age. Ongoing research on vitamin D requirements may result in revised recommendations in the future. With the current state of our knowledge, a combination of regular brief unprotected exposure to the sun and daily inclusion of vitamin D-rich foods as part of a healthy diet is important for all children and adults. Adults over 50 and those who are part of the “high risk” group should eat according to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and take a supplement containing 400 IU of vitamin D. Individuals with concerns about their vitamin D status should speak to their doctor and have their diet evaluated by a registered dietitian.”

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Dietitians of Canada represents over 5,400 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For further information on nutrition and healthy eating, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at www.dietitians.ca. Register to received regular healthy eating messages from dietitians – food and nutrition information you can trust.


For further information:

Stephanie Atkinson, PhD, RD
PH (905)-521-2100, ext 75644 or 75641
Cell: 416-949-9823

[OR]

Susan Whiting PhD
PH (306) 227-8601