The first Canadian study to evaluate vitamin D levels in toddlers has been published. It found that more than 80% of the children tested did not have enough vitamin D .

This article was published last week in the Toronto Globe and Mail, relating what was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies .  The author of the article in the newspaper rightfully points out that these low levels of vitamin D potentially place the children at an elevated risk of developing multiple sclerosis, cancer and juvenile diabetes later in life.

Jonathan Maguire, a researcher at Toronto's Hospital for sick children and the lead author of the study called the results "concerning".  He stated "vitamin D deficiency is associated with a number of chronic medical conditions".

Most of these tests were done in the fall and winter when of course levels of vitamin D reach their seasonal lows, especially for Canadians were who are above the 49th parallel.

The article points out that these low levels are probably associated with the relatively "unhealthy lifestyle" of not much outdoor exposure or sun exposure.

The author points out as I do in my book that the only way for Canadians to get sufficient vitamin D during their long "vitamin D winter" is by having the children take supplements containing vitamin D.  It is not realistic to get enough vitamin D on a daily basis from food alone.

As I have pointed out, the American Academy of pediatrics at the very end of 2008 raise the minimum amount of vitamin D for newborns to 400 IU per day, which is what I have recommended in my book.  The Canadian recommendation for newborns is still set at 200 IU and fortunately the Canadian government is  strongly considering raising it.

Original Article in the Globe and Mail