“To D or not D,” that is the question.

The controversy of whether or not to supplement vitamin D in winter continues.

One billion people, or 15% of the general population in the world, are deficient in vitamin D. In Canada, about one-third of the population are low in vitamin D. Geographically, this would be higher in regions where there is less sunlight, particularly in northern climates during the winter months.

Most doctors and health experts agree vitamin D is necessary to maintain normal calcium balance and to promote optimal bone health. However, there is a general disagreement about how much vitamin D to take, especially during the winter months in northern countries of the world.

Vitamin D refers to a group of structurally similar steroid-derived molecules that are required by the human body to maintain proper calcium levels. It increases calcium absorption across the intestines, prevents calcium loss through the kidneys and promotes calcium uptake into bones. It is important in preventing rickets, osteopenia and osteoporosis or weak bones.

There are two main types of vitamin D in foods and skin. Vitamin D2, called ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3, called cholecalciferol. Vitamin D3 is the dominant type and is found in small amounts in many foods and is........

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