HOW PATIENTS MAY BENEFIT

• Supports calcium absorption from intestines to promote bone density and integrity*
• Natural support for healthy cell growth and health of the immune system*
• High potency for older adults and residents of northern regions, whose bodies absorb and synthesize less vitamin D*

PRODUCT DISCUSSION
Vitamin D is best known for helping promote bone mass by increasing calcium absorption from the intestines and maintain calcium levels in the blood. Subjects who do not get adequate Vitamin D every day may not adequately absorb calcium from the foods in their diet, leading the body to take calcium from bones.

Vitamin D supplementation is a topic of great interest within the medical and scientific communities because of its role in promoting healthy cellular growth and function.* Food sources of Vitamin D are limited and include egg yolks, liver, and fatty fish; milk is fortified with Vitamin D. The body can produce Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Residents of northern regions, older adults, and people who use sunscreen may produce less Vitamin D and may consider supplementing with high-potency supplements to ensure adequate D status.* A clinical review concluded that daily supplementation with 1000 IU of Vitamin D could have a major positive impact on public health (Garland 2006).

A growing body of evidence suggests that Vitamin D helps promote healthy cellular growth.* Vitamin D also may assist the immune system by helping to regulate T- and B-lymphocytes, supporting the ability of macrophages to defend the body, and promoting the synthesis of mononuclear cells*

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
The body synthesizes the active form of Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, from its two provitamin forms upon exposure to sunlight. The provitamins become active in the body after they are hydroxylated first in the liver and then in the kidney. The active form of Vitamin D has metabolic effects on cells and tissues.

In residents of northern climates, exposure to UV light may be inadequate to synthesize all of the Vitamin D required by the body. This becomes even more of a problem in winter months when there is less available sunlight and because people will have less skin exposed due to cold temperatures. The obvious solution is to increase Vitamin D intake from foods and supplements. Older individuals may especially benefit from higher levels of Vitamin D supplementation since it has been reported that Vitamin D absorption from the gastrointestinal tract decreases as a function of age. Dark-skinned individuals also synthesize relatively less Vitamin D from sun exposure, and are therefore excellent candidates for Vitamin D supplementation.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE

• The results of five studies examining the association between serum vitamin D status and colon health were analyzed. A significant benefit to colon health was observed with the highest serum levels of 25(OH)D. Optimal serum levels were accomplished with daily doses of 1000 to 2000 IU/day of vitamin D3. This study supports the benefit of vitamin D supplementation to colon health. The recommendation of the authors to increase vitamin D intake to 1000-2000 mg/day corresponds to the dosage in our product. (Gorham et al, 2007)
• A double-blind placebo controlled study was conducted to assess the association between vitamin D supplementation and musculoskeletal function in nursing home residents. 124 elderly subjects were randomized to receive daily doses of 200 IU, 400 IU, 600 IU, or 800 IU of vitamin D or placebo. Subjects receiving 800 IU/day of vitamin D experienced a significant benefit to their musculoskeletal function compared to placebo while those receiving lower doses did not experience a significant benefit. This study supports the use of higher dose of vitamin D to support muscle function and bone health. (Broe et al, 2007)

SUMMARY
Mounting clinical evidence suggests that Vitamin D can have a major impact on not only bones but also immune health.* Variations in Vitamin D in the diet, exposure to sunlight, environmental conditions, gastrointestinal absorption, and genetic polymorphisms suggest that most adults should supplement with Vitamin D to ensure adequate intake and plasma concentrations.

SUGGESTED DOSAGE
For adults, take one (1) softgel or tablet daily, preferably with a meal, or follow the advice of your healthcare professional. As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your healthcare providers.