The authors wish to thank Robyn Landry, who was formerly with the Health Statistics Division; and the Canadian Health Measures Survey team at Statistics Canada, especially Shirley Bryan, Janine Clarke and Johanne Levesque. Eat breakfast. Vitamin D deficiency results in abnormal bone metabolism, which may lead to rickets (deformations of the skeleton) in children, and osteomalacia (undermineralized bones) or osteoporosis (porous bones) in adults. Vitamin D is stored in body fat tissue. Serum Level Converter Convert blood serum level 25(OH)D Unit between ng/mL and nmol/L. A person with vitamin B12 deficiency may feel weak and fatigued. Overall, the average blood level for females (67 nmol/L) was higher than males (61 nmol/L). Why It Is Done. Similar to previous research,12 Cycle 2 of the CHMS suggests a link between body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D. Children and adults who were overweight or obese generally had lower average vitamin D blood levels than those who were normal or underweight. That's because calcium, the primary component of bone, can only be absorbed by your body when vitamin D is present. Have osteoporosis or low bone density. Vitamin D may also be related to other health outcomes but at this time the evidence is inconsistent. This is compatible with vitamin D intakes that meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance.7. : refers to those who have vitamin D blood levels at or above 50 nmol/L. Is that low? f Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. The average vitamin D blood level for males aged 20 to 39 was 55 nmol/L, while it was 66 nmol/L for females—a sex difference of 11 nmol/L. TORONTO, Ont (October 25, 2019) – People around the world are losing their battle against vitamin D deficiency and more and more are becoming vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D Food Sources. The Endocrine Society defines vitamin D deficiency as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood level below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/liter) and vitamin D insufficiency as a level between 21–29 ng/mL (52.5–72.5 nmol/liter). Some research suggests that adequate vitamin D may have benefits, such as lowering the risk of breast and colorectal cancer3,4, cardiovascular disease in men5, and multiple sclerosis.6 However, the research supporting the benefits of vitamin D, other than for bone health, is still inconclusive.7. Hematology reference ranges. Tooth Decay. Those with darker skin pigment, or more melanin, have more difficulty producing vitamin D from the sun.2, The body's ability to produce vitamin D from the sun also declines with age. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/vitamin/vita-d-eng.php, http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/dailai/man/proman/ch9e.shtml. E Data with a coefficient of variation (CV) from 16.6% to 33.3%; use with caution. Fortification is voluntary for butter substitutes, condensed milk, goat’s milk and goat’s milk powder. An intake of 400 IU/day of vitamin D may not be enough. Sometimes vitamin D levels can be checked as a cause of symptoms such as long-lasting body aches, a history of falls or bone fractures without significant trauma. A possible link between body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D is also explored. Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy level OR; 25(OH)D level that’s a letter O and not the number zero. Canadians who are classified as 'deficient' (who have blood levels below 30 nmol/L) are also included in this cut-off. Of any age group taking supplements,  20- to 39-year-olds had the smallest percentage above the cut-off at 75%. We help you prepare for your blood draw in our clinic and ensure that our specimens are analysed by reputable medical laboratories for reliable results. Vitamin D blood levels for obese adults were significantly lower than overweight and normal/underweight adults (Chart 4). Discuss your results with your doctor if you have any concerns about your vitamin D level. Deficiency: refers to those with vitamin D blood levels below 30 nmol/L. However, as mentioned, many people show symptoms within that range. According to Cycle 2 of the CHMS, 75% of those who consumed milk once or more a day had levels of vitamin D above the cut-off, compared with 60% of those who had milk less than once a day. Shrimp, mackerel, sardines and fresh herring also are rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D is added to some foods, including tofu, orange juice, and some dairy products. The largest sex differences were seen among children aged 6 to 11 and adults aged 20 to 39. Hair Loss. Vitamin D helps to increase the absorption of calcium, ultimately building stronger bones. However, among those diagnosed with osteoporosis, 38% of men and 57% of women took vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D toxicity implies that vitamin D levels in the body are so high that they cause harm. It is also termed hypervitaminosis D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Cardiovascular Health. Other studies show that vitamin D supplements don’t stop most people with prediabetes from developing diabetes.