The amount of vitamin D added to milk
Today, milk contains more vitamin D than it did in past years. In fact, the amount of vitamin D that processors add to liquid milk has more than doubled.
Previously, one cup of milk (250 mL) provided 2.3 µg of vitamin D. Under current Canadian regulation, updated in 2022, it now contains 5 µg of vitamin D.
Percentage of daily value
At the same time, avid readers of the Nutrition Fact Table may have noticed the percentage of daily value for vitamin D on the package, appears lower than before. So, what’s up?
Amount vs Percentage
This is because the Daily Value (DV) reference has increased. The Daily Value for Vitamin D is now four times higher, at 20 µg instead of the previously recommended 5 µg.
So, while 2.3 µg used to equal 45% of the DV, now 5 µg of vitamin D represents 25% of the new Daily Value.
Why did Health Canada make changes to food fortification in vitamin D?
Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. However, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians are not getting enough vitamin D.
To decrease the rates of inadequacy in vitamin D and support adequate bone health, Health Canada made changes to regulations on fortifying foods with vitamin D.
In addition to doubling the mandatory fortification of milk, Health Canada will now allow vitamin D to be added to foods, such as yogurt and kefir, which naturally contain calcium and are well suited to deliver vitamin D.
To read more about the role of vitamin D, please see "Vitamin D 101: Essential Facts for Everyday Health."
