Get your vitamin D this winter: Nunavut Health Department
Vitamin D drops for babies available at no cost at all health centres
Babies and children who don’t get enough vitamin D can develop rickets, a painful disease that causes bones to soften and bend, the Government of Nunavut said in a public service announcement. (FILE PHOTO)
As the daylight hours get shorter this December, vitamin D supplements should be on your list, especially for babies and children.
“In Nunavut, the sun is not a good source of vitamin D,” the Government of Nunavut said in a public service announcement.
Babies and children who don’t get enough vitamin D can develop rickets, a painful disease that causes bones to soften and bend.
The GN’s Health Department said the best daily dosages for the vitamin are:
- Babies under the age of two: two baby drops, or 800 IU.
- Pregnant women: a prenatal vitamin, plus 1000 IU of vitamin D.
- Children aged two to 18 years and adults over 50 should take 400 IU of vitamin D in the form of a multivitamin.
“To make sure we are getting enough vitamin D, everyone should take supplements every day,” the GN said.
Vitamin D drops for babies are available free at all Nunavut health centres.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits plan will cover all vitamin D and prenatal vitamins for Indigenous people of any age, and multivitamins for children up to age 11, the GN said.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth, especially for pregnant women, babies and young children.
It helps our bodies absorb and use calcium, supports normal growth and development, and may increase immunity.
The GN’s Health Department said some foods rich in vitamin D include country food, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt with vitamin D added, and margarine.
For more information, Nunavut residents can contact their local health centre or the Government of Nunavut’s Healthy Living website.
So what is the recommended dose for people aged 18 to 50?
Don’t forget – in addition to local health centres, can also obtain Vitamin D products from your local/regional pharmacies. Under NIHB regulations, pharmacists may initiate Vitamin D treatment for all land claim beneficiaries and have it 100% covered under NIHB. Call your pharmacy and ask your pharmacist about vitamin D and what dose may be appropriate for you.
Getting from food and sunlight is best – but very difficult to reach the required quantities from these sources alone.
https://livehealthy.gov.nu.ca/en/healthy-eating/babies/vitamin-d – more info from GN on sources of Vitamin D, including country food available at that link.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/vitamins-minerals/vitamin-calcium-updated-dietary-reference-intakes-nutrition.html#a10 — Health Canada sets recommended minimum for ages 1-70 at 600iu per day with an upper limit of 4000iu per dayfor ages 9 and up.