TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2009 /CNW/ - Vitamin D Deficiency - linked to significantly higher rates of most cancers, heart disease, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and even flu - affects 97 per cent of Canadians. Yet fewer than 3 per cent of Canadians say they know their vitamin D blood levels.

The world's most renowned vitamin D researchers will be joined by public health officials from across Canada on November 3 for "Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency" - a symposium hosted by Grassroots Health and the University of Toronto School of Medicine. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Toronto's Faculty Club.

 Vitamin D spokesperson available for comment:

 Dr. Reinhold Vieth, Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at University of Toronto, and Director of the Bone and Mineral Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital.

 The Vitamin D Society is a Canadian non-profit group organized to increase awareness of the many health conditions strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency and to encourage all Canadians to have their vitamin D blood levels tested annually. Optimal vitamin D blood levels are 100-150 nmol/L as measured by a calcidiol blood test.

For further information: or to set up an interview, please contact: Michelle Di Rocco, (416) 360-6522 ext. 251 or michelle@punchcanada.com