Nutritionists, researchers and physicians have been studying the Vitamin D levels of immigrants who go to Canada. One doctor shares that nearly all of his refugee patients who moved to Canada from warmer climates test with deficient vitamin D levels, particularly during the winter months.
A vitamin D researcher from the University of Toronto acknowledges that people can get the vitamin through their food sources; however, he maintains that the body’s own production of it through ultraviolet light exposure yields a much greater harvest. He also mentions the need to factor in individual skin color when considering how much exposure is necessary. He indicates that dark-skinned individuals may have a harder time producing vitamin D, as their skin accepts ultraviolet light to a different degree.
Concerning the immigrants studied, other factors must be considered, such as their personal nutrition habits – as there are those who don’t naturally consume a lot of vitamin D in their diets. Another source of deficiency can be culture-related clothing choices. People who wear clothes that cover the entire body (including the face) when outdoors, likely don’t receive the natural exposure to sun as others who dwell in the same area.
When it comes to Canada – especially the harsh cold some regions experience through the winter – less people of any nationality are bound to be outdoors, reaping the sun’s vitamin D stimulating powers.
Health Canada suggests a vitamin D intake of 400 IU and 600 IU, respectively, for its residents ages 51-70, and those over 70. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends 1,000 IU daily for those who aren’t in the sun much or for younger, dark-skinned individuals. Health Canada does caution against taking supplements of more than 2,000 IU per day, but other medical professionals have debated whether overdose is a great concern.
For more information on some of the studies that were conducted, click the source link below.
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