Canada’s death rate could fall by as many as 37,000 deaths each year or 16 per cent if Canadians simply increased their daily vitamin D intake to intended levels, says a study conducted by four of the world’s leading vitamin D researchers entitled: An Estimate of the Economic Burden and Premature Deaths Due to Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada.

In dollars saved, increased vitamin D blood levels would reduce the economic burden on Canada’s health care system by about $14.4 billion, or 7.3 per cent, according to the study.

For millions of Canadians aged six to 79, only 10 per cent are at, or above, the optimal vitamin D level with more than five per cent who are severely deficient, according to data released by Statistics Canada in March. Vitamin D experts agree that optimal levels should be 100-150 nmol/L. The new Canadian study examined the impact of increasing blood levels to 105 nmol/l. (nmol/L refers to reference ranges in a blood test called a calcidiol test.)

“The result of this study strongly suggests the personal and economic burden of disease in Canada could be significantly reduced if optimal vitamin D levels are increased. These results should increase interest by individuals, researchers, organizations and agencies in Canada in assessing the health benefits of higher vitamin D production and intake,” said vitamin D researcher William B. Grant, Ph.D., primary author of the study.

To read the study click here.