Vitamin D Intakes of People Living in Canada: An Assessment Using Disaggregated Population Data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey – Nutrition

Background

The dietary reference intakes for vitamin D were set in support of adequate vitamin D status. In Canada, the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status is 19% based on biomarker data.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to assess the adequacy of total usual intakes (UIs) of vitamin D of people living in Canada and explore sociodemographic correlates.

Methods

Vitamin D intake data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey – Nutrition (n = 19,567, ≥1 y) were used. The prevalence of inadequate UI was defined as the percent below the estimated average requirement (%<EAR, 10 μg/d); risk of excess intakes was defined as the percent above the tolerable upper intake level (%>UL). Intakes (%<EAR and μg/d) of supplement users and nonusers were summarized by age–sex groups and sociodemographic factors. The top natural and fortified [mandated: cow’s milk and margarine; voluntary: plant-based beverages (PBBs)] food sources of vitamin D were explored.

Results

In supplement nonusers, %<EAR was ≥85.2% across age–sex groups. In supplement users (33.5%, 95% confidence interval: 32.1%, 34.8%), %<EAR ranged from 7.9% to 54.2% among age–sex groups. Overall, the %>UL was <3%. Total UI of vitamin D in supplement nonusers and users did not vary widely according to sociodemographic factors. Overall, the top 4 food sources of vitamin D were cow’s milk and fortified plant-based beverages (FPBBs) combined, margarine, fish, and eggs.

Conclusions

In Canada, the population prevalence of inadequate vitamin D intake is high, although lower among supplement users. Since the time of this survey, dietary guidance advises vitamin D supplementation for people ≥2 y who do not consume a daily food source of vitamin D. Subsequently, the amount of vitamin D in milks, margarines, and FPBB was increased and its addition to yogurts and kefirs was permitted. These strategies may help people living in Canada to achieve adequate intakes of vitamin D.