November is National Health Food Month

Spotlight Shines on Vitamin D Benefits

TORONTO, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - A growing body of evidence suggests vitamin D deficiency is associated with a number of chronic medical conditions and that improving vitamin status is a good preventative measure. The latest research comes from the scientific abstracts contained in the newest issue of Research & Your Health, an educational resource produced by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), in collaboration with InspireHealth.

Canadians have learned a lot about the benefits of vitamin D in recent years and the evidence linking vitamin D with a reduced risk for certain cancers has prompted the likes of the Canadian Cancer Society to recommend supplementation in 2007 and the Vancouver City Council to proclaim November 2nd as "Vitamin D Day" in an effort to raise awareness of what vitamin D can do to help prevent cancer.

In addition, researchers have linked poor vitamin D status to other chronic conditions has outlined in the abstracts from Research & Your Health. Here are some of the conclusions:

A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in June 2007 concluded improving calcium and vitamin D nutritional status substantially reduces all-cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

Researchers reported in the July 12, 2010 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine that low levels of vitamin D were associated with substantial cognitive decline in the elderly population they studied over a six-year period and suggest new possibilities for treatment and prevention.

CHFA, a national trade association dedicated to the natural health and organic products industry, proclaimed November as National Health Food Month. The annual initiative shines a spotlight on natural health and organic products with the intention of broadening consumer awareness of the demonstrated benefits.

National Health Food Month serves as a reminder for Canadians that natural health and organic products:

• Are federally regulated
• Are safe and effective with health claims supported by research
• Are an integral part of promoting and maintaining health

Learn more at www.chfa.ca

About CHFA:
The Canadian Health Food Association is Canada's largest national trade association dedicated to the natural health and organic products industry. The association represents manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, growers and importers of natural health and organic products, including foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal products, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, fibres and health and beauty aids.  With a membership of over 1,000+ business owners and operators, CHFA represents an industry that contributes $3billion to the Canadian economy. 

About InspireHealth: 
Located in Vancouver, InspireHealth is Canada's foremost integrated cancer care centre, leading the way through research and innovative cancer care programs integrated with conventional cancer treatment.

For further information:

Natalie Cajic, Communications Specialist, 1-800-661-4510, ext. 234 [email protected]