There is a high prevalence of poor vitamin D status in many
Americans and Canadians, as well as in other developed countries
[1]. While there are indications of many clinical applications of vitamin
D [2], even for healthy populations there must be a focus on
consumption of vitamin D rich foods to meet new Recommended
Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of 600 IU (1–70 y) and 800 IU (>70 y)
[3]. Poor vitamin D status from reduced sun exposure that occurs
in winter is made worse by limited access to many of the vitamin D containing
foods in the marketplace. Canada and the United States are unique in offering vitamin D fortified foods, yet the adequacy
of these fortified foods to meet the needs of all race, gender and
age groups has been questioned [4,5]. The purpose of this paper
is to describe the current state of fortified foods offered in both
countries, with consideration of impact on vitamin D status and
barriers, such as accessibility, preference, culture and cost. The role
of bio-addition as a way to improve vitamin D status is discussed.