Health Canada requires more vitamin D in milk and margarine to boost intake

Health Canada has required higher vitamin D fortification in milk and margarine, a rule that became mandatory on Dec. 31, 2025; one in five Canadians are reported to have low vitamin D levels.

Health Canada has made it mandatory for milk and margarine producers to add more vitamin D to their products as of Dec. 31, 2025. Officials report that about one in five Canadians do not get enough vitamin D, largely because of limited sun exposure for much of the year. The move follows a 2022 regulation that first allowed companies to voluntarily increase fortification. Health officials say the updated levels are intended to make intake more consistent across the population. Key facts: - The regulation became mandatory on Dec. 31, 2025, after a voluntary phase that began in 2022. - Cow's and goat's milk now contain about 5 micrograms of vitamin D per cup, up from roughly 2.3 micrograms. - Margarine is fortified at about 13 micrograms per 50 grams (about three tablespoons). - Health Canada recommends daily vitamin D allowances of 10 micrograms for babies, 15 micrograms for older children and adults, and 20 micrograms for older adults. - A typical vitamin D supplement pill provides about 25 micrograms (1,000 international units), and the average adult upper limit is cited as 100 micrograms per day. Summary: Mandatory fortification of common foods is intended to increase population-wide vitamin D intake and address seasonal shortfalls; the regulation also allows but does not require vitamin D in products such as yogurt, kefir and plant-based beverages. Undetermined at this time.