The Department of Health has approved the addition of vitamin D supplements to yogurt to combat vitamin D deficiency in Canadians, especially during long, dark winters.
According to data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, approximately one in five Canadians have insufficient levels of vitamin D.
The Minister of Health’s notice allows manufacturers to voluntarily enrich yogurt and kefir with vitamin D, given that these dairy products contain calcium essential for bone health.
Leading companies like Danone, General Mills, and Lactalis have committed to adding vitamin D to a significant percentage of their products, as stated in the notice.
Vitamin D is already fortified in milk and margarine, and the approval for goat’s milk fortification was granted in July 2022.
Despite existing fortified foods, Health Minister Mark Holland acknowledges the challenge Canadians face in meeting the recommended vitamin D intake.
Statistics cited in the notice show that in 2015, one in five Canadians consumed yogurt or kefir products the previous day.
The notice outlines specific vitamin D amounts allowed in yogurts and kefirs, ranging from 5 μg per 100 grams in plain yogurt to 3.8-5 μg per 100 grams in fruit or flavored yogurts and kefirs.
Future regulations may extend vitamin D fortification to plant-based alternatives to ensure Canadians meet their dietary needs.
According to the notice, Health Canada plans to modernize fortification regulations to include plant-based yogurts and kefirs enriched with essential micronutrients, including vitamin D.
The report also highlighted age-specific trends, with children showing higher levels of sufficient vitamin D compared to older age groups.
Adults who consumed yogurt or milk daily had better vitamin D levels, emphasizing the importance of fortified dairy products in maintaining optimal health.
