Cow's milk, goat's milk and margarine now have added vitamin D, as per new Health Canada requirements. Experts say one in five Canadians aren’t getting enough of the so-called 'sunshine' vitamin, and that's a concern.
Canadians pouring a glass of milk in 2026 may not notice any difference in taste, but there has been a significant change inside the carton.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, Health Canada has made it mandatory for milk and margarine producers to more than double the amount of vitamin D added to their products, a move aimed at tackling widespread deficiency across the country.
Federal health officials say roughly one in five Canadians are not getting enough vitamin D, a nutrient essential for bone health and overall well-being.
Why Vitamin D Is a Growing Concern
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it when skin is exposed to sunlight. But experts say Canada’s geography makes that difficult for much of the year.
“We don’t make vitamin D from the sun for six to eight months annually,” said Brenda Hartman, a nutritional sciences professor at Western University. Shorter days and weaker sunlight during winter dramatically reduce natural vitamin D production.
According to Statistics Canada, the likelihood of low vitamin D levels more than doubles during winter months.
What Changed in Your Food
Under updated fortification rules that became mandatory at the end of 2025, the vitamin D content in everyday staples has increased significantly:
- Milk now contains 5 micrograms per cup, up from about 2.3 micrograms
- Margarine contains approximately 13 micrograms per 50 grams (about three tablespoons)
Health Canada expects these changes to roughly double average vitamin D intake nationwide, based on predictive modelling.
“This is a more equitable approach,” said Mary L’Abbé, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Nutrition Policy. “Using common foods ensures the entire population benefits.”
Dairy Alternatives and Supplements
While vitamin D fortification is mandatory for milk and margarine, products such as yogurt, kefir and plant-based beverages are allowed — but not required — to include it.
Health Canada said the flexibility is important as more Canadians switch to non-dairy options.
Still, experts caution that food alone may not be enough for everyone.
“To meet daily needs through dairy alone, many people would need four or five servings a day,” said Despoina Manousaki, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Montreal.
Naturally occurring vitamin D is found in fatty fish and egg yolks, but supplementation remains common. A standard vitamin D pill typically provides 25 micrograms (1,000 IU).
How Much Is Enough — and How Much Is Too Much?
Health Canada’s recommended daily intake varies by age:
- Infants: 10 micrograms
- Children and adults: 15 micrograms
- Older adults: 20 micrograms
While excessive vitamin D intake can cause health issues, experts say toxicity is rare and usually linked to high-dose supplements, not food.
The maximum recommended intake for adults is 100 micrograms per day — far more than what fortified foods alone provide.
“You don’t see harmful effects from food sources,” Hartman said. “That risk comes from over-supplementation.”
A Small Change With Broad Impact
Health officials believe the updated fortification rules will quietly improve public health, particularly during Canada’s long winters, when vitamin D deficiency is most common.
For most Canadians, the change won’t require new habits — just the same glass of milk, now doing a little more work.
