Vitamin D: Benefits and Risks

In June 2007, Health Canada responded to renewed public interest in the health benefits of vitamin D by announcing a comprehensive review looking at both benefits and safety needs for Canadians. Until completion of this review, Health Canada continues to recommend that Canadians follow the advice contained in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. This suggests that all Canadians over the age of two consume 500mL (two cups) of fortified milk or soy milk every day for adequate vitamin D intake. It also encourages everyone over the age of 50 to take a daily supplement of 400IU of vitamin D.

The information update included a warning that there could be health risks associated with taking too much vitamin D. Adults should not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 2000IU/day from all sources of vitamin D, including milk and over-the-counter supplements.

First published in The Inside Tract® Newsletter Issue 161 May/June 2007