Capsules and natural sources of vitamin D such as salmon

Vitamin D: Should I be taking a supplement?

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.

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References

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Houghton LA, Vieth R. The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):694-697.
  11. 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).