Canada’s death rate could fall by as many as 37,000 deaths each year, or 16%, if Canadians increased their daily vitamin D intake to intended levels, a new study sponsored by the Vitamin D Society.

In dollars saved, increased vitamin D blood levels would reduce the economic burden on Canada's healthcare system by about $14 billion, or more than 7%, according to the study, titled “An Estimate of the Economic Burden and Premature Deaths Due to Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada.”

Of Canadians aged six to 79, only 10% are at or above the optimal vitamin D level, with more than 5% who are severely deficient, according to data released by Statistics Canada in March. Vitamin D experts agree that optimal levels should be 100-150 nmol/L. The new Canadian study examined the impact of increasing blood levels to 105 nmol/l. (nmol/L refers to reference ranges in a blood test called a calcidiol test.)

"The result of this study strongly suggests the personal and economic burden of disease in Canada could be significantly reduced if optimal vitamin D levels are increased. These results should increase interest by individuals, researchers, organizations and agencies in Canada in assessing the health benefits of higher vitamin D production and intake," said William Grant, PhD, primary author of the study.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study found the positive impact on a person's health of increased vitamin D levels would be as follows:

Increasing vitamin D levels from 75 to 105 nmol/L is believed to decrease cancer rates by 25%

Vitamin D is believed to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25% if levels are increased from 62.5 to 105 nmol/L

A New Zealand study indicates increasing vitamin D levels to above 80 nmol/L can improve insulin resistance by 12%

Increasing vitamin D levels from 25 to 75 nmol/L results in a 60% improvement in insulin sensitivity

Many studies show that ultraviolet-B irradiance and vitamin D reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis. If MS is already developed, vitamin D can reduce symptoms

Vitamin D reduces the risk of pneumonia by 30% through reducing the cytokine storm following respiratory viral infections such as influenza and through inducing production of cathelicidin and defensins that have antimicrobial actions

Adequate vitamin D can reduce the risk of primary Cesarean section by about 50% by strengthening the uterine muscles. Increasing vitamin D also helps with fetal development.