+AA

Vitamin D: Should I be taking a supplement?

Feb 2, 2022 - McMaster University - 14 minutes

Vitamin D plays an important role in many functions of your body. Getting a healthy, daily dose of vitamin D can be challenging and a common problem for many Canadians. In this video, Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou discusses the sources and health benefits of vitamin D, who should take supplements and how much.

Learn the answers to the following questions:

What is vitamin D and why is it important?
What are the best food sources for it?
Can you get all that you need from food?
How would you know if your vitamin D is too low?
How effective are vitamin D supplements?
What can we do about vitamin D deficiency?

Want to test your knowledge? After watching this video take this quick 4-question quiz.

Give us your feedback with this 2-question survey.

Browse all video posts.

Featured Resources

Blog Post: Are you getting enough vitamin D?

Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.

Promoting bone health: Osteoporosis, fracture and falls prevention

3 evidence-based benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables

Supplementing with vitamin D? What you should know

Author Details

Anthony Levinson

Dr. Anthony J. Levinson is a Professor at McMaster University and holds the John R. Evans Chair in Health Sciences Educational Research and Instructional Development. One of the co-leaders of the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, Dr. Levinson is also a psychiatrist with a special interest in medical psychiatry and neuropsychiatry. His area of research interest includes online learning to improve healthcare provider and patient education.

Author Details

Alexandra Papaioannou

Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou is a Professor of Medicine (Division of Geriatrics) at McMaster University, a Geriatric Medicine Specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences and Executive Director of the GERAS Centre for Aging Research. She holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Geriatric Medicine and Healthy Aging.

References

McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. A closer look at the health benefits of Vitamin D. (2019 Jul 9). Accessed November 3, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/hitting-the-headlines/2019/07/09/a-closer-look-at-the-health-benefits-of-vitamin-d
McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Are you getting enough vitamin D? (2021 Jul 13). Accessed November 3, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/hitting-the-headlines/2021/07/13/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d
McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Are you getting enough vitamin D? (2020 Jul 21). Accessed November 3, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/hitting-the-headlines/2020/07/21/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d
McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Vitamin D and calcium: A dynamic duo in the maintenance of strong bones. (2014 Sep 30). Accessed November 3, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2014/09/30/vitamin-d-and-calcium-a-dynamic-duo-in-the-maintenance-of-strong-bones
McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Vitamin D: A possible ally in the fight against diabetes. (2018 Oct 2). Accessed November 3, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2018/10/02/vitamin-d-a-possible-ally-in-the-fight-against-diabetes
Health Canada. Vitamin D and Calcium: Updated dietary reference intakes. (2020 Jul 28). Accessed November 3, 2021. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/vitamins-minerals/vitamin-calcium-updated-dietary-reference-intakes-nutrition.html#a9
Autier P, Mullie P, Macacu A, et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on non-skeletal disorders: a systematic review of meta-analyses and randomised trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017;5(12):986-1004.
Cosman F, de Beur SJ, LeBoff MS, et al. Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2014;25(10):2359-2381.
Dawson-Hughes B, Heaney RP, Holick MF, Lips P, Meunier PJ, Vieth R. Estimates of optimal vitamin D status. Osteoporos Int. 2005;16(7):713-716.
Houghton LA, Vieth R. The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):694-697.
Avenell A, Mak JC, O'Connell D. Vitamin D and vitamin D analogues for preventing fractures in post-menopausal women and older men. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014(4):CD000227.

Acknowledgements

This work is supported through the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging and funds provided by the Dean and Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.

Want the latest in aging research? Sign up for our email alerts.

Our Content

About

Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.