Vitamin D in milk and margarine is now higher

Health Canada required manufacturers to increase the amount of added vitamin D in certain milks, margarines and some milk alternatives as of Dec. 31, 2025; the department says this change is expected to roughly double Canadians' vitamin D intake.

Health Canada updated its fortification rules so some milk products and margarines must contain more added vitamin D. The change took effect on Dec. 31, 2025 and applies to cow's milk, goat's milk, margarine and certain milk alternatives. Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" because skin makes it from sunlight, and Canadians make less of it during winter months. Health officials report that about one in five Canadians do not get enough vitamin D and that intake tends to fall for teenagers compared with younger children. Key facts: - Affected products include cow's milk, goat's milk, margarine and some fortified milk alternatives. - A cup of milk now has about 5 micrograms of added vitamin D, up from about 2.3 micrograms, which is roughly 200 international units (IU). - Health Canada advises that children and teens aged 9–18 need about 600 IU per day, with an upper limit of 4,000 IU. - Health Canada said it expects the vitamin D intake of Canadians to approximately double based on these changes. - Officials report that about 20% of Canadians have insufficient vitamin D, and teenagers generally get less than younger children. Summary: The regulatory change increases the amount of added vitamin D in several commonly consumed products, so routine dietary intake from those foods should rise. Health Canada expects average intake across the population to roughly double as a result. Undetermined at this time.