Why test for Vitamin D levels?

It is estimated that over 37,000 annual deaths could be prevented each and every year if the Canadian average vitamin D level was 105 nmo/L.

Currently 7 out of 10 Canadians do not meet the suggested minimum vitamin D level for optimal health.

As a nation it’s harder for us to get enough sunlight four to five months out of the year to make the body’s required levels of vitamin D — making supplements a necessary element to maintaining a healthy life.

• 15 minutes of direct sunlight on exposed skin twice a week generally produces enough vitamin D to meet your body’s needs.

• Dark skin colour and advancing age both decrease vitamin D production.

• Use of sunscreens can reduce your vitamin D production by over 99%.

• During winter months — or when sun exposure is limited — vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended.

The Test

Firstline Nutrition measures the amount of Vitamin D in your system with a convenient dried blood spot. This can easily be done at home — saving you a trip to the laboratory,

The Results

We use the general health information you supply to provide insight specific to your health concerns. Laboratories don’t give you much insight — only reporting a number.

Firstline provides a full colour report to your family doctor 7 to 10 days after receiving your D-Spot.

Low Vitamin D has been linked to:

• Anxiety
• Autoimmune Disease (Lupus)
• Cancers
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscle Pain and Fatigue
• Osteoporosis
• Poor Immune Response