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Vitamin D deficiency compromises bone health
Vitamin D deficiency among Canadians compromises bone health:
Studies suggest fractures are more likely
Canadians are not getting enough calcium and vitamin D and
face an increased risk of bone fractures and other chronic conditions,
according to medical experts citing recent studies. Two Canadian
studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of vitamin D
deficiency among Canadians, and have concluded that higher levels
of vitamin D supplementation are warranted.
"Our country's more northern latitude means we get less of
the vitamin D-forming rays of sunlight, which is our
main source of vitamin D. During the months of October through
March, Canadian sunlight is not capable of producing vitamin D in
the skin," says Dr. Reinhold Vieth, a prominent vitamin D expert
and Director of the Bone and Mineral Laboratory, Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. "The
research over the last 12 years has consistently shown that an
adequate dose of vitamin D (800 IU/day) prevents fractures associated with
osteoporosis, however, it is very difficult to get this
much vitamin D from diet alone."
Because it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D through sun
exposure and diet alone, many experts recommend a daily calcium
supplement with added vitamin D, such as Caltrate Select, to
prevent osteoporotic fractures and to help promote overall health. Each
tablet provides 600 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin
D. Two tablets a day will provide the daily recommended amount of
vitamin D for those aged 50 plus and 1,200 mg of calcium
carbonate. Recently, the Osteoporosis Society of Canada revised its
guidelines to recommend 800 IU of vitamin D for adults over 50.
(also, see this article,
vitamin D deficiency from fear of the sun and this one,
Osteoporosis)
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