Despite its name, vitamin D is a hormone and not a vitamin as it is produced by the body when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is a lack of vitamin D in the blood. Vitamin D is important as its main function is to help the body effectively use calcium to build strong bones. Since Canadians live at a high latitude and we have limited skin exposed when we are outside in the winter, we produce less vitamin D which has the potential to result in a vitamin D deficiency. By incorporating foods rich in this hormone into our diet, we can lower our risk of developing a deficiency. Things to incorporate into your diet are:
Cod liver oil
Herring
Swordfish*
Wild-caught sockeye salmon
Canned sardines
Tuna*
*limit consumption of large fish as they can contain high amounts of mercury Supplements are the best way to ensure you have adequate Vitamin D into your diet. Adults require 2000IU/day and children proportionately less. Consult with your family physician to find out how much Vitamin D you and your loved ones require.