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With rates of both obesity and malnutrition on the rise, it’s no wonder that many Canadians are lacking in many of the vitamins our bodies need to function properly. While there are deficiencies in many vitamins, these are the top three.
Increase your Vitamin D Level
Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, has been found to be the number one vitamin that Canadians are deficient in. The vast majority of our vitamin D intake comes from the sun. Our long cold winters, and often the hibernation that come with it, are no doubt who to blame for our lack of vitamin D.
While vitamin D can help to prevent cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease, nearly two-thirds of all Canadians are thought to be in need of vitamin D. Another vehicle for vitamin D is through our milk supply. Milk in Canada is fortified with vitamin D. It is for this reason that breastfed babies under the age of one, during winter months, are recommended to receive vitamin D drops. This will supplement them until such time as they are consuming milk. How much vitamin D we put into our bodies is not the only problem. Vitamin D is needed alongside calcium to ensure proper absorption. So how much vitamin D do we need? That is up for debate. If you wish to know the recommended daily dosage of vitamin D for men and women you should consult with your pharmacist.
Vitamin C
Unless you’re from the sunshine state of Florida, you’re likely lacking in vitamin C. Many of the foods we eat contain much less of this vital vitamin. Modern farming practices and long-haul transportation are said to be contributing factors. Vitamin C is also known as absorbing acid. Vitamin C promotes healthy eye sight and it can boost the immune system. Long gone are days of scurvy when deficiencies led to illness among sailors of the 18th century. Although it isn’t difficult to meet our vitamin C requirements daily, many of us do not. Although a critical deficiency is rare, it is believed that Canadians aren’t getting enough vitamin C for optimal health.
Vitamin B Deficiency Treatment
If you’re found to be deficient in vitamin B you might wonder which one: vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 or finally, B12? This isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Vitamin B is responsible for helping the body produce energy and form red blood cells. Vitamin B can be found in many of the foods we eat every day and where B vitamins are found, usually several are present. B1 and B2 are essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. Vitamin B3 helps regulate the nervous and digestive systems. B6 promotes a strong immune system and B5 and B12 are needed for good growth and development. Luckily for us, vitamin B supplements can be taken as one pill with some or all of the B’s included. In Canada, many deficiencies in vitamin B are common but so is a problem with vitamin B absorption. This problem is often remedied with shots of vitamin B12.
Depending on where you live in Canada, any vitamin deficiencies you have will differ. Also, according to diet, your vitamin levels will vary. Most importantly, wherever your diet is lacking, make sure your supplements fill the gap.
If you would like some more information on vitamin deficiency or if you would like to choose a supplement based on professional recommendation, stop by Brant Arts I.D.A. Pharmacy or Contact Us for more information.
