Now Vitamin D-3 - 1000 IU 360 Softgels

Sunshine in a bottle! Often referred to as the sunlight vitamin, Vitamin D is produced within the body during exposure to the suns UVB rays, and can also be obtained from milk and fish. However, with more and more people avoiding direct exposure to the sun, supplementation is often beneficial. As an essential part of the human diet, Vitamin D plays an active role in many facets of metabolism and development. Most importantly, this fat-soluble vitamin assists the body in the absorption of calcium and phosphate, thus promoting stronger bones and teeth. Osteoporosis Adequate amounts of vitamin D throughout one's life (in combination with exercise, proper nutrition, calcium, and magnesium) is necessary for preventing bone loss. Low levels of vitamin D and insufficient sunlight exposure (less than 20 minutes per day) are associated with osteoporosis. Vitamin D is needed to properly absorb calcium. Calcium, together with vitamin D, can help heal bone fractures from osteoporosis and decrease the risk of future bone breaks. Other Bone Disorders Vitamin D protects against the rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones in adults caused by inability to properly deposit calcium). Seniors in northern climates and people who do not receive direct sunlight for at least 45 minutes per week should make sure they are getting enough vitamin D through fortified milk and dairy products, or taking a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin containing vitamin D. Arthritis Low intakes of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of arthritis of the hip in older women and to joint changes seen on x-rays of both men and women. Studies evaluating the use of vitamin D for osteoarthritis have found that it prevents the breakdown of cartilage. Abnormalities of the Parathyroid Hormones The parathyroids are four glands located in the neck, which produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps the body store and use calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is often used to treat disorders of the parathyroid gland. High Blood Pressure Scientific studies have suggested a link between low levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure. Low levels of vitamin D may play role in the development of high blood pressure in those with kidney disease or an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism). One study suggested that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium helped to lower blood pressure in older women with low levels of vitamin D and high levels of parathyroid hormone. Your doctor will determine if vitamin D may be helpful for preventing or treating high blood pressure. Cancer Laboratory studies indicate that vitamin D may have anti-cancer effects. However, no human studies have directly measured how vitamin D impacts cancer risk. Study findings on vitamin D and specific cancers such as colorectal cancer have been inconsistent. However, a review of the scientific literature shows strong evidence that vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It is best to obtain calcium and vitamin D from the diet. Supplements would most likely be needed to reach the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1800 mg/day of calcium). Some population-based evidence suggests that the same amount of vitamin D may improve survival rates in those with a history of breast cancer. More research is needed. There is some evidence that a certain form of vitamin D inhibits growth of prostate cancer cells in laboratory tests. Fructose, the sugar found in fruits, stimulates the production of this type of vitamin D. Eating several servings of fruit each day is associated with lower rates of prostate cancer. Synthetic forms of vitamin D3 show promise in the treatment of various cancers, including breast and skin. However, this research is still in the experimental stages. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months because of lack of sunlight. This condition is often treated with photo (light) therapy. A few studies suggest that the mood of those with SAD improves when taking vitamin D supplements. Talk to your doctor about whether this is a safe and appropriate addition to your treatment regimen. Diabetes Research shows that supplementing infants and children with doses of 2000 IU per day of vitamin D and higher may protect against the development of type 1 diabetes. A study conducted in northern Finland (where the annual exposure to sunlight is very limited) found that infants given at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day (generally from cod liver oil) for the first year of life were significantly less likely to develop type 1 diabetes over a 30-year time course than infants who were fed lower amounts of vitamin D. Interestingly, the recommended daily amount of vitamin D in Finland was as high as 4,000 to 5,000 IU in the early 1960s. In 1964, it was reduced to 2,000 IU per day, in 1975 to 1,000 IU, and 400 IU in 1992. At the same time, incidence of type 1 diabetes has been on the rise in Finland, particularly throughout the 1980s. Tuberculosis Low levels of vitamin D may make a person more likely to get tuberculosis. Preliminary reports suggest that vitamin D may be a worthwhile addition to the usual treatment for this infection. Atherosclerosis Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of calcium build up in the arteries, a significant component of atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerotic plaque build up in blood vessels can lead to a heart attack or stroke. More research is needed to understand the practical implications of this possible relationship between low vitamin D levels and atherosclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Scientists have observed that MS rates are significantly lower in areas that receive a lot of sunlight and where people eat a lot of fish. Fish is a rich source of vitamin D (see Dietary Sources). The studies have suggested that vitamin D from foods and sunlight may help protect against this condition. However, this does not mean that vitamin D supplements will help prevent or treat MS in people. Further studies are needed. Benefits and Uses • supports skin health • important to skeletal development • boosts the absorption of calcium into bone • vital to bone development and strength • helps to keep teeth and gums healthy, especially in older adults • important to cell growth and differentiation • helps prevent cancer and many other conditions