Published on September 30, 2019
As we saw in an earlier post of this series, GrassrootsHealth participants reside in 55 countries worldwide with over 1,000 residing in Canada (the country with the largest number of participants after the United States). Today, we’ll look at how vitamin D levels and supplemental intake varies by province/territory for GrassrootsHealth participants in Canada.
Where are the GrassrootsHealth participants located in Canada?
GrassrootsHealth participants reside in all 10 provinces and 2 of the 3 territories in Canada. Approximately one-third (36%) are in Ontario and 20% are in British Columbia.
Vitamin D levels by province/territory for Canadian GrassrootsHealth Participants
The overall average vitamin D level for GrassrootsHealth participants in Canada is 44 ng/ml (110 nmol/L). (Note: in a previous blog the vitamin D level for GrassrootsHealth participants in Canada was incorrectly reported to be 37 ng/ml; a corrected map is now available.) Among provinces/territories with at least 10 participants, those residing in Manitoba have the highest average at 48 ng/ml (120 nmol/L) and those in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have the lowest (40 ng/ml for both; 100 nmol/L).
Vitamin D supplemental intake by province/territory for Canadian GrassrootsHealth Participants
In regard to supplemental vitamin D intake, those residing in Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia have the highest average intake (4000 IU/day for all three; 100 mcg) and those in New Brunswick have the lowest (917 IU/day; 23 mcg).
According to Statistics Canada, which produces statistics using survey data on many aspects of Canadian life, 34% of Canadians take a supplement containing vitamin D and the national average vitamin D level is 26 ng/ml (64 nmol/L). For GrassrootsHealth participants in Canada, 82% report taking a supplement with vitamin D, and 89% have a vitamin D level above the Canadian national average.
Are you getting the vitamin D you need?
Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can measure and track your level of vitamin D and other nutrients to help determine if your supplements, diet, and other sources are having the effect you would like on your resulting nutrient status. Testing levels of vitamin D and taking daily steps to keep it at a target level of 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L) is important for many aspects of health. Find out your levels today! Log on to the shop (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your level can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
Click Here to Access the Shop Page
How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
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