MORE VIDEOS

CONNECT WITH US

   

WHAT’S YOUR D-LEVEL?
GET TESTED
Maintain your Vitamin D level
between 100 – 150 nmol/L

 
LATEST VITAMIN D NEWS
Rethinking sun exposure: Study finds possible health benefits
Oct 07, 2024

For 40 years, Americans have been told that lying in the sun without skin protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays is a dangerous thing. After all, the incidence of melanoma − the most dangerous form of skin cancer − has been increasing globally.

But a new study from the University of Edinburgh of 360,000 people living in the United Kingdom indicates that when the health benefits of sun exposure are factored in, we might rethink the issue.

Correcting for confounding factors of age, gender, smoking, socioeconomic status, and exercise, the study found that sunbed users had a 23% lower rate of cardiovascular (CV) death and a 14% lower rate of cancer death in general.

full story . . .
Vitamin D during pregnancy boosts childhood bone health for years, study shows
Sep 24, 2024

A recent follow-up to the MAVIDOS trial confirms that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy improves offspring bone mineral density, with benefits persisting up to seven years of age.

Previously, the MAVIDOS trial reported that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy significantly improved offspring's bone mineral density (BMD) when measured at four years. In a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examine the persistence of this improvement in BMD into later childhood years.

full story . . .
Groundbreaking new study reports benefits for sunshine and sunbed exposure in northern climates
Aug 21, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Distribution

TORONTO, ON (August 20, 2024) – A large, cohort study from the UK has reported that people who have higher exposure to UV through sunlight or sunbeds have a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The study adds to the growing evidence that the health benefits of UV exposure may outweigh the risks in low-sunlight environments.

The Vitamin D Society has been educating people on the benefits of non-burning UV exposure – the body’s primary source of vitamin D - for 15 years. This is the first time that sunbed users have been included in a large study of health benefits and mortality.

 

full story . . .
UV rays may boost health in low-sunlight countries, study finds
Aug 14, 2024

The health benefits of spending time in the sun could outweigh the risks for those living in areas with limited sunshine, a study suggests.

In low-sunlight locations such as parts of the UK, exposure to higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation – found in sunlight – was linked to a drop in deaths due to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Adapting public health advice to reflect both the risks and benefits of UV exposure may help to reduce disease burden and improve life expectancy in low-sunlight countries, the research team says.

Experts caution that measures should still be taken to protect the skin when UV levels are high, to prevent sunburn and the development of skin cancer.

full story . . .
Sunny vacations have a bigger impact on your brain than you think: expert
Aug 09, 2024

Neuroscientist and TED speaker Sarah Baldeo joined CTV Morning Live’s Kent Morrison on the importance of sunny vacations and taking breaks.

 

Kent Morrison: Vacations are not just a way to escape the ordinary, they can actually have a big impact on your brain in a good way. Sarah, I'm very much looking forward to this conversation here in August, when a lot of people are on vacation. What happens to our brain when we take a break?

Sarah Baldeo: Your brain is kind of like an engine, right? You've got all these pistons firing, and the worst thing is when you're overloading one piston. So imagine you go on vacation, you get all this great stimuli, and that lights up multiple areas of your brain, and it really distributes the energy across all those pistons. That's what we want. We want that real big brain energy.

full story . . .
Vitamin D: A Promising Ally in the Fight Against Autism
Aug 02, 2024

Vitamin D and Autism

The relationship between vitamin D and autism has garnered significant attention in recent years. Researchers have explored the link between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing autism, as well as the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in improving autism symptoms.

Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Autism Risk

A 2020 study published by Frontiers suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children, highlighting the potential impact of this vitamin on brain development [1]. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, this study suggests that optimizing vitamin D levels during pregnancy may have a protective effect against autism.

Improvements in Autism Symptoms with Vitamin D

Research has also explored the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in improving autism symptoms. A 2022 study published by Frontiers found that children with autism who have low vitamin D levels can see improvements in their autism symptoms when their vitamin D levels increase. Although the exact reasons for these improvements are not yet fully understood, it highlights the potential role of vitamin D in managing autism.

It's important to note that while there have been suggestions of potential benefits, vitamin D supplementation for children with autism is not yet widely recommended or supported by extensive scientific evidence. Further research is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms and optimal dosage for vitamin D supplementation in autism management.

To delve deeper into the research findings on vitamin D and autism, continue reading our article sections on studies showing lower vitamin D levels in children with autismthe impact of vitamin D deficiency on ASD severity, and the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation for ASD. Additionally, we will explore the mechanisms of action behind how vitamin D affects neurodevelopment in children with ASD and the association between maternal vitamin D levels and offspring ASD risk. Stay tuned for more information on this promising ally in the fight against autism.

full story . . .
 
PRESS RELEASES
Groundbreaking new study reports benefits for sunshine and sunbed exposure in northern climates

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution

TORONTO, Ont (August 20, 2024) – A large, cohort study from the UK has reported that people who have higher exposure to UV through sunlight or sunbeds have a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The study adds to the growing evidence that the health benefits of UV exposure may outweigh the risks in low-sunlight environments.

The Vitamin D Society has been educating people on the benefits of non-burning UV exposure – the body’s primary source of vitamin D - for 15 years. This is the first time that sunbed users have been included in a large study of health benefits and mortality.

full press release . . .
Its Time for a New Look at Sun Benefits! World Vitamin D Day - November 2nd

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution

TORONTO, Ont (October 26, 2023) – Health authorities worldwide now acknowledge that sun-care advisories in the future should not be one-size-fits-all and that darker-skinned people in sun-deprived climates like Canada may not be getting enough sun and vitamin D.

That’s an encouraging sign as The Vitamin D Society and Vitamin D authorities worldwide recognize November 2nd as the 15th annual World Vitamin D Day. In Canada, as much as 93 percent of the population is vitamin D deficient mainly due to lack of sun exposure.

full press release . . .
Vitamin D helps you live longer! World Vitamin D Day - November 2nd

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution

TORONTO, Ont (October 25, 2022) – Your personal health and that of your family are the most important things in life. Optimal vitamin D levels play a significant role in helping prevent a wide number of diseases and strengthening your immune system to assist with new threats. Vitamin D and sun exposure have been found to reduce mortality and help you live a longer life.

Since 2009, we have celebrated World Vitamin D Day on November 2nd to highlight the health benefits of vitamin D and the importance of having optimal vitamin D levels of between 100-150 nmol/L (Canada) or 40-60 ng/ml (USA).  November is the month that Canadians vitamin D levels rapidly decline due to reduced sun exposure. Over 93% of Canadians do not meet this vitamin D level.

full press release . . .
UPCOMING EVENTS, BLOG AND NEW BOOKS
Events  
Toronto Vitamin D Symposium - Chatham-Kent Vitamin D Symposium
Nov 01, 2024        

Join world-leading experts in a 1-day symposium on Vitamin D! Our goal is to gain the most current information from researchers and practitioners from around the world on the role of Vitamin D in health and well-being.

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH?

https://areyougettingenough.info/

Toronto - November 1, 2024

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d-symposium-toronto-ontario-tickets-888439475387?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

 

Chatham-Kent - November 2, 2024

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d-symposium-chatham-kent-ontario-tickets-888368302507?aff=erelpanelorg

 

event details
Blog  
UV→D NOW - Why a supplement does not replace sunlight!
Mar 03, 2022

By Perry Holman, Executive Director, Vitamin D Society

Key Points:

  • No supplement will replace all the benefits of sunlight when considering the full spectrum of light
  • UVB exposure on your skin from sunlight makes Vitamin D naturally without ever going to toxic levels
  • Most people know about the benefits of vitamin D for bone health. Vitamin D also has benefits for the immune system, cardiovascular health, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, skin, and has been linked to lower incidence of many forms of cancer
  • UVA exposure releases nitric oxide stores in your skin, helping reduce your blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health
  • Visible light is beneficial for skin, sleep, happiness and relaxation
  • Infrared light is a powerful antioxidant beneficial for intercellular melatonin used by the mitochondria to repair cell damage
  • When sunlight is unavailable or not strong enough, turn to surrogates such as sunbeds, phototherapy units or light boxes
  • Overexposure to sunlight has risks too. The key is to know your skin and take care not to burn. Moderation!
full post . . .
UV→D NOW Let the Sunshine back into your life!
Nov 18, 2021

By Perry Holman, Executive Director, Vitamin D Society

How did we get to this point in our relationship with the sun? If you follow the current health recommendations from some dermatologists you would live in perpetual darkness, in a bunker, and never let the sunshine hit your unprotected skin. Sunscreen use is advised to be applied to your skin everyday of the year regardless of the whether you are indoors or not. Regardless of your skin type. This action has unforeseen consequences that I hope to shine a light on for you.

For November, Vitamin D Awareness Month, we are focusing on educating people to the many benefits of sun and UV exposure. This is why we have named it UVD NOW. Because getting UV exposure is important for vitamin D, nitric oxide and so many other photoproducts for your health. The lack of sun exposure is the main root cause of vitamin D deficiency, and studies have found that people with low vitamin D are at a higher risk of many serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, major cancers such as breast and colorectal, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis and even infections, flus, colds and much more.

full post . . .
Over 100 Scientists, Doctors, & Leading Authorities Call For Increased Vitamin D Use To Combat COVID-19
Dec 10, 2020

By Dr. Karl Pfleger, PhD AI & Computer Science, Stanford University

To all governments, public health officials, doctors, and healthcare workers,

Scientific evidence indicates vitamin D reduces infections & deaths.

Research shows low vitamin D levels almost certainly promote COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Given its safety, we call for immediate widespread increased vitamin D intakes.

Vitamin D modulates thousands of genes and many aspects of immune function, both innate and adaptive. The scientific evidence1 shows that:

  • Higher vitamin D blood levels are associated with lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Higher D levels are associated with lower risk of a severe case (hospitalization, ICU, or death).
  • Intervention studies (including RCTs) indicate that vitamin D can be a very effective treatment.
  • Many papers reveal several biological mechanisms by which vitamin D influences COVID-19.
  • Causal inference modeling, Hill’s criteria, the intervention studies & the biological mechanisms indicate that vitamin D’s influence on COVID-19 is very likely causal, not just correlation.
full post . . .
Books  

Drs David C Anderson and David S Grimes
Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19

“For weeks and weeks people from ethnic minority communities have been wanting to know how they can better protect themselves from coronavirus.” [BBC News June 13th 2020] We believe that during Covid-19, ethnic minority communities in the UK, the USA and elsewhere, and all others vulnerable to seasonal Vitamin D deficiency, have been seriously let down by politicians and medical-scientific officialdom. As a result they have been needlessly deprived of extensive biological knowledge that would have protected them against disease and death from a novel virus, for which adequate levels of Vitamin D are essential.


Susan Rex Ryan
Defend Your Life

Defend Your Life has three main sections. The first addresses the fundamentals of vitamin D3 and its awesome benefits as well as minimal risk. The second highlights select diseases and conditions about which vitamin D3 may offer protection. The third includes the author's personal vitamin D3 story, including her theory about adequate vitamin D3 levels and how you can 'Defend Your Life'.

Reading this book will help you understand how adequate amounts of vitamin D3 are essential to enhancing your quality of life.


Ian Wishart
Vitamin D: Is This the Miracle Vitamin?

In this compelling new book,award-winning investigative journalist and bestselling author Ian Wishart brings together the most up to date science on vitamin D and how it could well save your life. Cancer? Up to a 77% reduction in risk of developing it if you take this vitamin. Heart disease? The same kind of reduction. Did you know that autism, mental illness and multiple sclerosis all appear to be caused by a lack of vitamin D during pregnancy?

The lives of every single person, including you, will be affected by the information in this book. With more than 300 scientific trials and studies cited, this book is a reference guide not just for the general reader but for medical professionals alike.


 more books...
 
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Click to View Dr. Reinhold Vieth

Professor, University of Toronto, Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology.


Click to View Dr. Michael Holick, Ph.D., M.D.

Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics; Director of the General Clinical Research Unit; and Director of the Bone Health Care Clinic and the Director of the Heliotherapy, Light, and Skin Research Center at Boston University Medical Center.


Click to View Dr. Cedric Garland, DrPH

Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego.


 more advisors...