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Immune Health
In addition to supporting bone health, vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health and immune function, and promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin, a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones that are best known for the role they play in supporting bone health and aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gastrointestinal tract. However, a growing body of research highlights its important role in supporting other body systems, including cardiovascular and blood sugar balance, as well as increasing musculoskeletal strength, neurological, and immune function, enabled by its ability to target over 200 different genes throughout the body. At the same time, deficiency and insufficiency of this important nutrient have reached epidemic proportions around the world, making the achievement of optimal levels extremely important to overall health.
Known as the sunshine vitamin, one of the key roles of vitamin D is maintaining serum calcium and phosphorus balance. The body makes vitamin D by converting vitamin D2 to D3, or cholecalciferol, when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D supplements come in two forms, D2 and D3. Studies have found that vitamin D3 is the preferred form, as it has been found to maintain active vitamin D levels for a longer period of time.
The Vitamin D formula is delivered as D3 (cholecalciferol) for optimal use by the body, and is available in 1,000 and 5,000 IU capsules to meet a variety of individual needs.
Key Benefits and Features:
| Serving Size: 1 Capsule | Amount/Serving |
| Vitamin D (D3 as Cholecalciferol) | 125 mcg (5,000 IU) |
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose (Natural Vegetable Capsule), Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, and Stearic Acid.
Does Not Contain: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors, or flavors.
Take 1 capsule per day, or as recommended by your health care professional.
Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product. Keep out of the reach of children.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Vitamin D Depletion
While it has long been assumed that the majority of the population achieves adequate levels of vitamin D through exposure to the sun, the biosynthesis of the nutrient is affected by time of day, seasons, location, smog/pollution, clothing, and sunscreen. In addition, those with darker skin require more exposure to the sun to attain adequate levels. These factors all contribute to the insufficiency seen in a growing portion of the population. It takes about 48 hours for vitamin D to be absorbed from the skin into the body, and washing skin during that time period can interfere with absorption into the blood. Inadequate intake or levels of cholesterol can also inhibit the adequate production of the nutrient. Depleted levels of vitamin D may interfere with the normal development of teeth and bones, normal cell growth, and contribute to poor regulation of the immune and nervous systems. Certain medications have been found to contribute to a deficiency of vitamin D, including some anti-seizure medications, bile acid sequestrants, oral corticosteroids, and weight loss medications, which bind to fats.
Bone and Dental Health
Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of vitamin D in maintaining healthy bone density. In one 2013 study, 52 overweight men and women with suboptimal vitamin D levels were given either 7,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily or a placebo for 26 weeks. The vitamin D group significantly increased vitamin D levels in the blood and improved biomarkers of bone health.
Cardiometabolic Health and Blood Sugar Balance
In light of the role that vitamin D plays in a variety of tissues and body systems, it comes as no surprise that much research from recent years has underscored its contribution to cardiometabolic wellness. There is accumulating evidence that calcitriol helps strengthen cardiomyocyte function, vascular smooth muscle cells, and the vascular endothelium. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are associated with diminished cardiovascular health. In a recent study of 222 participants, slow coronary function was significantly higher in those with insufficient blood levels of the vitamin. Optimal vitamin D status has also been linked with a 40% cardiovascular system protective effect, as well as maintenance of normal blood pressure levels. Vitamin D has also been shown to support normal blood sugar metabolism.
Immune Health and Modulation
One of the more profound functions of vitamin D is its ability to modulate immunity. An important recent study suggested that improving vitamin D status significantly affects the expression of genetic pathways linked to immune activity. Vitamin D has been shown to boost the immune response by up-regulating specific genes that increase cellular production of natural compounds that protect us against pathogens.
Musculoskeletal Comfort
Numerous studies also point to the key role of vitamin D in supporting musculoskeletal strength and comfort. In one study among 62 adult patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal discomfort, over 95% had vitamin D deficiency and responded to replenishment of vitamin D. Moderate deficiency of vitamin D has also been shown to predict knee discomfort over a five-year period and hip discomfort over two years.
