Information Point | Description of information presented |
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1. | ▪ The key dietary sources of vitamin D (i.e., fish, cow’s milk/fortified milk alternatives) |
2. | ▪ Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin from solar UV exposure after approximately 15–30 min of exposure to bare skin |
3. | â–ª Our bodies cannot make vitamin D from the sun in the fall/winter months in Canada â–ª The importance of taking vitamin D supplements and/or consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D from foods and beverages in the fall/winter months in Canada |
4. | ▪ The recommended intakes for adults (IOM: RDA = 600 IU; UL = 4,000 IU) and the fact that higher intakes are suggested by some vitamin D researchers (≥1000 IU/day) ▪ Many Canadians fall short of these recommendations |
5. | â–ª Why we need vitamin D (i.e., to absorb calcium, effects on bone health) â–ª Brief summary of other potential health outcomes associated with vitamin D insufficiency |
6. | â–ª Vitamin D3 is the form we receive from the sun and most supplements |
7. | â–ª Factors that affect vitamin D status, including: age, sex, weight, cloud cover, clothing, sunscreen, season/UV index, location and skin pigmentation |
8. | â–ª Skin pigmentation/ethnicity affects vitamin D status â–ª Those with darker skin pigmentations may be at risk of vitamin D insufficiency |