Vitamin D

The Lowdown on Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a steroid precursor. A deficiency plays a role in at least seventeen types of cancer, especially breast, prostate, and colon, as well as depression, and arthritis.


Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin but the trend to avoid the sun and the use of sunscreens limits the vitamin D an individual will actually produce. 


Ironically, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is believed by some experts to be caused by sunlight/vitamin D and omega 3 deficiencies.


Other conditions associated with a lack of Vitamin D:


  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Cold and flu


The upper limit for vitamin D in Canada is 4,000 IU for adults but some people need more initially.  We suggest healthy adults take 4,000 IU in the winter and 1,000 IU in the summer
with time spent outside sans sunscreen!  People with existing health conditions should have their levels checked. The optimum range is 100-250 nanomoles/ml. 


“Because vitamin D is so cheap and so clearly reduces all-cause mortality, I can say this with great certainty: Vitamin D represents the single most cost effective medical intervention in the United States”. 

- Dr Greg Plotnikoff, Medical Director, Abbot Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis        

         

Health Canada Upper Limits For Vitamin D

  • Infants 0 – 6 months - 1,000 IU daily
  • Infants 7 – 12 months - 1,500 IU daily – this dosage can be achieved by alternating 1,000 and 2,000 every 2nd day
  • Children 1-3 - 2,500 IU daily – this dosage can be achieved by alternating 2,000 and 3,000 every 2nd day
  • Children 4-8 - 3,000 IU daily
  • Children and adults 9-70 - 4,000 IU daily



Anyone who suffers from inflammation or chronic disease should have their levels checked.  Some people may require
much higher levels for several months before reaching optimum levels. 

Note:  The upper limit for our southern neighbours is 5,000 IU though they live in a sunnier clime than we Canadians!



*Revised February 2023



Jo Anne's Place Staff

We have been supporting the wellness of our communities since 1976.


Our highly trained staff are here to help. Our Product Educators have vast knowledge and experience with the products we carry in our stores - whether they take them themselves, have taken brand training, or have received feedback from customers. 


Please visit one of our stores to chat with them about we can help support you and get you feeling your best!

Store Hours
Text: Fun Labour Day Acitivites in PTBO/Lindsay
Surrounded by trees, leaves and construction
By Jonathan Tessier August 20, 2025
This year, Labour Day Weekend is from August 29th - September 1st. There is still time for one last weekend of summer fun before the school year begins.
By April Allen August 14, 2025
This creamy vegetarian lasagna is comfort food at its finest! Hearty enough to satisfy any appetite, yet packed with veggies and nourishing ingredients you can feel good about. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep!
By April Allen August 14, 2025
We were scrolling through our archive of recipes recently and came across this one: 'Handy Dandy Candy' aka Carob Almond Squares, written by Jo Anne Fallaise. Yes, THE Jo Anne! So, we had to share! It's super easy, and super delicious - treat yourself!
2 pictures, 1st picture is a baked muffin sitting on a table, 2nd picture is a person putting a tray of unbaked muffins
By April Allen August 14, 2025
Bright, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet! These gluten-free lemon poppy seed muffins are the perfect quick breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or addition to a school lunchbox. Made with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients (not dairy-free, but can easily be made so if you prefer), this recipe offers a soft, moist texture with that yummy lemony taste and slight crunch of the poppy seeds. 
healthy lunchbox
By April Allen August 12, 2025
Packing your child's lunchbox (and your own) with wholesome snacks and lunches that are quick to make doesn't have to be difficult! Here are some of our favourite recipes that contain nutritious ingredients that kids love:
homemade protein bars
By April Allen August 7, 2025
Wondering how to make your own protein bars and balls? You've come to the right place! Whether you're powering through a busy morning, refuelling after a workout, or just need a wholesome snack to get you through the day, protein bars and energy balls are a great way to go! However, not all store-bought options are created equal, and sometimes you just want to customize the flavours to your favourites, which is why making your own is a great option. These are great to meal prep and keep in the fridge or freezer to have at the ready, and they are super customizable to your dietary restrictions or flavour preferences, so feel free to swap out any ingredients you don't love! Here are 3 easy, delicious takes on protein bars and bites: Chocolate Nut Butter Protein Bars, Superfood Breakfast Bites, and Spirulina Sunflower Oat Bars. Check out more of our Protein Bite and Autumn Energy Bite recipes!
 wt
By Jonathan Tessier August 5, 2025
Lemon juice has many different uses and health benefits. Just make sure you don't get any in your eyes.
quark quiche, cheesecake, and stuffed chicken breasts
By April Allen July 15, 2025
We wanted to take a moment to highlight a dairy product that doesn't get enough love: Quark! 
By Jonathan Tessier July 10, 2025
What is the Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15?
functional iced drinks
By April Allen July 8, 2025
Happy Summer! We hope you've been enjoying the heat, lots of outdoor activities, and are keeping hydrated. Speaking of hydration, today we are sharing some delicious, functional, summer drink recipes! Why not add some additional benefits to your summer sipping? These recipes feature mushrooms, collagen, matcha, and adaptogens to keep you healthy and hydrated all summer long! Below are recipes for 3 summer drinks with amazing functional benefits: