Why Vitamin D Deficiency Is So Common (and What You Can Do About It)
Most people know vitamin D is important—but few are getting enough to actually support their health. Even if you spend time outside or take a basic supplement, your levels may still be too low to be effective.
What Makes Vitamin D Different?
Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D isn’t found naturally in many foods. Your body relies on sunlight (UVB rays) to make it in the skin. That means factors like season, latitude, skin tone, sunscreen, and time spent indoors all have a major impact.
In Canada, the sun isn’t strong enough for vitamin D production during the fall and winter months—making deficiency extremely common.
Why Vitamin D Matters
Vitamin D acts more like a hormone and affects almost every system in the body. Low levels have been linked to:
Low mood or depression
Frequent infections and low immune function
Fatigue
Hormonal imbalance
Bone loss and muscle weakness
Chronic pain and inflammation
Are You Taking Enough?
Government guidelines suggest 600–800 IU daily—but this is often not enough to correct deficiency. Many people need higher doses (often 2,000–10,000 IU daily) based on their lab results and individual needs.
That’s why testing is key. A simple blood test can determine your vitamin D levels and help guide the proper dose to safely reach optimal levels.
What You Can Do
Consider daily supplementation (up to 4,000 IU is generally safe for most adults)
Get your vitamin D levels tested
Work with a naturopathic doctor to determine the right dose or consider vitamin D injections for faster results
The Bottom Line
Vitamin D plays a powerful role in your overall health—from mood and immunity to hormones and energy. If you haven’t tested your levels, now is the time. Supporting your vitamin D status can make a meaningful difference in how you feel—especially during the colder months.
✨ Need guidance? Our naturopathic doctors can assess your levels and create a plan that’s right for you
