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
By Jonathan Tessier October 1, 2025
This year, Thanksgiving weekend is from Friday, October 10th to Monday, October 13th. Canadian Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the second Monday of October.
By April Allen September 30, 2025
Happy Thanksgiving! Looking to switch it up and try some new recipes this year? Here is a roundup of recipes, many of which are vegan and gluten-free so you can create a holiday meal fit for all!
On the left is an assortment of bowls with food in them, on the right is a person styling their hair
By Jonathan Tessier September 11, 2025
Discover the best foods for hair growth. Boost shine, strength, and thickness naturally with nutrient-rich options that support healthy hair.
A classroom in the background with a title that says
By Jonathan Tessier September 10, 2025
With back to school in full gear, parents are concerned about their kids well-being. A lot of today's youth face a mountain of problems like anxiety and depression.
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.
a plate of creamy vegetarian lasagna
By April Allen August 14, 2025
Enjoy a comforting, veggie-packed lasagna with a creamy cheese sauce—perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Chocolate almond squares on the left and on the right is the old Jo Anne's
By April Allen August 14, 2025
Enjoy a vegan, gluten-free treat with our carob almond squares—rich in fiber and free from refined sugar.
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!