There is no doubt that Vitamin D is important for optimal health.  In addition to its well-known roles in improving the body’s immune function and preventing and treating osteoporosis, research has also linked adequate Vitamin D levels to improving:

– mood disorders including depression and anxiety
– autoimmune disease (Lupus)
– cancers
– high blood pressure and heart disease
– muscle pain and fatigue
– allergies, asthma, eczema

There is not a single health condition where adequate Vitamin D levels are not involved!

Vitamin D deficiency is unfortunately very common in Canada.  Only about 1/3 of Canadians have Vitamin D levels considered ‘optimal’ for health.  A 2010 study even estimated that 37,000 deaths could be prevented every year if Vitamin D levels achieved optimal levels.  There are many causes of Vitamin D deficiency, including:

– inadequate sun exposure, especially during our winter months
– use of sunscreen can reduce Vitamin D production by 99%
– dark skin and aging decreases Vitamin D production
– some medications can increase breakdown or inhibit absorption

Vitamin D Testing

As of April 2015, Alberta Health Services has limited family physicians the ability to test for Vitamin D levels for the general population.  Although exceptions are made for patients with specific chronic diseases, testing is assumed unnecessary and general Vitamin D supplementation recommendations are made for everyone.

Unfortunately, Vitamin D testing can be valuable in more accurately detecting levels of Vitamin D deficiency, providing individualized dosage recommendations and assessing whether the person is adequately absorbing the supplement for optimal benefits.

Here at Vive Health, we have the ability to test for Vitamin D levels and provide the individualized dosage recommendation if your case warrants.  The test is a simple in-office blood spot test that can provide valuable information to help you achieve a difference in your health.

~ Dr. Patti Yik

References

Statistics Canada.  Vitamin D status of Canadians as measured in the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey.  http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2010001/article/11131/findings-resultats-eng.htm

Grant, WB.  An estimate of the economic burden and premature deaths due to vitamin D deficiency in Canada.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20352622