If you’ve ever lived through a Canadian winter and thought, “Wait… did the sun clock out early?”, you’re not imagining things. And this is exactly why vitamin D keeps coming up, especially in late 2025.

Statistics Canada’s analysis of Canadian Health Measures Survey data shows that vitamin D status shifts with the seasons: the share of Canadians below the deficiency cut‑off (<30 nmol/L) more than doubles in winter (November–March) compared with April–October (13% vs. 5%). Overall, 8% were below 30 nmol/L.

Now let’s talk about why milk is suddenly at the center of the conversation.

The “why now”: December 31, 2025, is the key date

Health Canada has a vitamin D fortification strategy because they estimate that about 1 in 5 people living in Canada are not getting enough vitamin D. In 2022, Health Canada published regulations that approximately doubled the amount of vitamin D required in cow’s milk (and margarine). The headline for December 2025 is simple: the food industry must make these changes by December 31, 2025.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) also describes a transition period ending December 31, 2025, with Phase II starting January 1, 2026.

So the trend isn’t random hype, it’s a regulatory deadline meeting real public‑health needs.

What does “vitamin D–fortified milk” mean in Canada, exactly?

In Canada, vitamin D in milk isn’t just a “nice extra.” It’s written into the Food and Drug Regulations.

Section B.08.003 requires that milk sold under the standard contain 2 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D per 100 mL (and there are additional detailed rules for other standardized milks like skim and partly skimmed products).

That single number (2 µg/100 mL) is the anchor for understanding what’s in the carton.

Translate the regulation into “real-life” servings

Most of us don’t drink 100 mL of milk. We pour a cup of cereal, blend a smoothie, or foam it into coffee. A typical cup is about 250 mL, so:

• 2 µg per 100 mL
• 250 mL per cup
• 250 × (2/100) = 5 µg vitamin D per cup

If you prefer International Units (IU), Health Canada’s conversion factor is 1 IU = 0.025 µg (so 1 µg = 40 IU). That means 5 µg = 200 IU.

Now, what does that “count” toward?

• For Canadian labels, the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin D is 20 µg/day, so a 5 µg cup is about 25% DV.
• For nutrition targets, Health Canada’s Dietary Reference Intakes list an RDA of 15 µg/day (600 IU) for many teens and adults, and 20 µg/day (800 IU) for adults over 70. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults is 100 µg/day (4,000 IU).

My practical takeaway: a daily glass (or latte!) can make a meaningful dent in your vitamin D needs, but it usually works best as part of a bigger pattern.

Why fortification matters (especially in Canada)

Vitamin D is a little unusual: our bodies can make it with sunlight exposure, but many factors reduce how much we produce (season, cloud cover, sunscreen, limited outdoor time, older age, and more). That’s why Health Canada recommends including vitamin D from foods or a supplement every day.

Food-wise, Health Canada also notes that vitamin D occurs naturally in very few foods and that most dietary vitamin D comes from fortified foods. They list examples like egg yolk, fatty fish, soft margarine, unsweetened lower‑fat milk, and unsweetened fortified plant‑based beverages.

There’s also population data that supports the “milk helps” idea. Statistics Canada reported that adults who drank one glass of milk a day were less likely to have vitamin D levels below 30 nmol/L than those who did not (6% vs. 10%).

Plant-based beverages: “can match” doesn’t mean “always does.”

A big part of the late‑2025 buzz is that the vitamin D conversation now includes plant-based beverages more directly.

Health Canada updated its interim policy in 2022 so that fortified plant‑based beverages can match the new vitamin D level required in cow’s milk. In that policy, Health Canada states manufacturers may fortify plant‑based beverages to 2 µg/100 mL ready‑to‑serve (as long as other conditions are met).

Here’s my label-reading rule:

• If it’s dairy milk in Canada, vitamin D at the regulated level is expected.
• If it’s plant-based, vitamin D is “check the Nutrition Facts table” territory, because fortification isn’t universal across brands.

A quick “December 2025 label reality check.”

If labels look inconsistent right now, you’re not losing it. Health Canada’s Daily Values document includes a transition provision allowing some products to keep using the previous version until December 31, 2025. CFIA’s plan also explains that the broader 2022 amendments run through a transition period ending December 31, 2025, so the shelf can look a bit mixed until 2026.

Where I land on supplements (calmly)

Health Canada’s guidance is straightforward:

• Ages 2–50: eat vitamin D foods daily or take a daily supplement containing 400 IU (10 µg).
• Ages 51+: take a daily supplement containing 400 IU (10 µg) (and still eat vitamin D foods as part of healthy eating).

And because “more” isn’t automatically “better”: Statistics Canada notes that 25(OH)D above 125 nmol/L may be linked with increased risk of adverse events, and Health Canada’s DRI tables include an adult UL of 4,000 IU/day. So if you’re already supplementing, it’s worth adding up totals and checking in with your healthcare team if you have medical conditions that change the risk/benefit.

The bottom line

Vitamin D–fortified milk is trending in Canada in December 2025 because the country is wrapping up a multi‑year shift to higher vitamin D fortification levels, at the exact moment when winter reminds everyone why vitamin D is tricky here in the first place.

For day‑to‑day eating, I love the simplicity of this change: your “regular” milk habits (cereal, coffee, smoothies, cooking) can quietly contribute a predictable dose of vitamin D, no hype required.

References:

1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025, November 17). Implementation plan for amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations (Nutrition Symbols, Other Labelling Provisions, Vitamin D and Hydrogenated Fats or Oils). Government of Canada.
2. Government of Canada, Department of Justice. (2025). Food and Drug Regulations (C.R.C., c. 870), page 20 (B.08.003 Milk).
3. Health Canada. (2022, May 2). Vitamin D. Government of Canada.
4. Health Canada. (n.d.). Dietary reference intakes tables: Reference values for vitamins. Government of Canada.
5. Health Canada. (n.d.). Table of daily values. Government of Canada.
6. Health Canada. (2022, September 8). Interim Policy on the Use of Expired Interim Marketing Authorizations Related to Food Fortification.
7. Health Canada. (2025, September 3). Fortified foods: Canada’s approach to fortification. Government of Canada.
8. Health Canada. (n.d.). Dosage form(s). Government of Canada.
9. Statistics Canada. (2024, July 18). Shedding light on Canada’s vitamin D levels as we approach the shortest day of the year. Government of Canada.
10. Statistics Canada. (2024, July 18). The scoop on vitamin D: Sources for every season. Government of Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vitamin D in Canada

What is vitamin D, and why is it important?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for strong bones and teeth because it helps the body absorb calcium. It also supports the immune system, muscle function, and overall health.

How much vitamin D do I need daily in Canada?

Health Canada recommendsa daily vitamin D intake of 600 IU (15 µg) for most adults up to 70 years and 800 IU (20 µg) for adults over 70. Children and infants have different requirements, often around 400 IU (10 µg) daily.

What are the main sources of vitamin D?

Vitamin D comes from sun exposure, certain foods, and supplements. Foods that contain vitamin D naturally include fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), egg yolks, fish liver oils, and beef liver. Many foods in Canada, such as cow’s milk, margarine, and some plant-based beverages, are fortified with vitamin D.

Can I get enough vitamin D from sun exposure alone?

Sun exposure helps the skin produce vitamin D, but factors like winter months, cloud cover, darker skin, and limited skin exposure reduce this ability in Canada. Because of the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to get vitamin D also from foods and supplements rather than relying solely on sun exposure.

What is vitamin D deficiency, and who is at risk?

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin D, leading to bone pain, weak bones, or an increased risk of fractures. People at higher risk include those with inadequate vitamin D intake, limited sun exposure, darker skin, older adults, infants who are breastfed without supplementation, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

Should I take vitamin D supplements?

Many Canadians do not get enough vitamin D from food and sun exposure alone. Health Canada recommends a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 µg) for individuals aged 2 to 50 who do not consume enough vitamin D foods, and for everyone over 50. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements.

Are there risks to taking too much vitamin D?

Yes. Excessive vitamin D supplementation can cause harmful effects like hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), which may lead to kidney problems and other health issues. The tolerable upper intake level for adults is 4,000 IU (100 µg) per day.

Is fortified milk a good source of vitamin D?

Yes. In Canada, cow’s milk and margarine are fortified with vitamin D by law, providing about 200 IU (5 µg) per cup of milk. Fortified milk is an important source of vitamin D that helps maintain strong bones and overall health.

What about plant-based milk alternatives?

Some plant-based beverages are fortified with vitamin D to match cow’s milk levels, but fortification is not universal. Always check the nutrition facts table to confirm vitamin D content.

How does vitamin D affect bone health?

Vitamin D maintains strong bones by promoting calcium absorption. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen, increasing the risk of bone pain and fractures.

Can vitamin D help prevent diseases other than bone disorders?

Vitamin D also supports the immune system and muscle function. While research is ongoing, adequate vitamin D levels contribute to overall health, but it is not a cure or prevention for specific diseases beyond bone health.

How can I check my vitamin D levels?

Vitamin D status is determined by a blood test measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect vitamin D deficiency or have risk factors.

What is the role of cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is a natural source of vitamin D, but it also contains high amounts of vitamin A, which can be harmful in excess. Consult a healthcare professional before using cod liver oil as a vitamin D supplement.