Feature summary
Sun exposure on bare skin is the major source of vitamin D, but long winters, geographic latitude, clouds, smog, and sunscreens reduce UV ray exposure and vitamin D synthesis. Adequate vitamin D in childhood prevents rickets and in adults prevents osteomalacia (soft bones). Vitamin D deficiencies are also linked to muscle weakness as well as general aches and pains.
To minimize health risks associated with UVB radiation exposure, while maximizing Vitamin D benefits, supplementation combined with small amounts of sun exposure, is the recommended way to assure optimum levels of vitamin D (Office of Dietary Supplements, 2007).
Research in brief
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking vitamin D supplements and calcium substantially reduces all-cancer risk in post menopausal women. The researchers found that the higher the levels of vitamin D in the blood, the lower the relative risk of developing cancer. Another study suggests that women who consume more calcium and vitamin D may be less likely to develop breast cancer before menopause (Canadian Cancer Society, 2007) (Lappe et al., 2007).
Vitamin D’s major biological function is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. With aging, less vitamin D is converted to its active form, and a deficiency can occur in older men and post-menopausal women. In a review of women hospitalized for hip fractures due to osteoporosis, 50 percent were found to have signs of vitamin D deficiency (LeBoff et al., 1999). Caffeine can increase bone loss, but increasing calcium and vitamin D intake may counteract this effect.
Research in brief references
Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Society Announces Vitamin D Recommendation June 08, 2007 www.cancer.ca
Lappe, J.M., Travers-Gustafson, D., Davies, M.K., Recker, R.R. & Heaney, R.P. (2007, June). Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 6, 1586-1591.
LeBoff, M.S., Kohlmeier, L., Hurwitz, S., Franklin, J., Wright, J., Glowacki, J. (1999).Occult vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal US women with acute hip fracture. J Am Med Assoc, 251:1505-11.
The Office of Dietary Supplements. (2007, Sept 19). http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp.
Medicinal ingredients
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)Non-medicinal ingredients
Di-calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable grade magnesium stearateRecommended dosage
Vitamin D3tablets100 TabletsSKU : 3104 |
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Vitamin D3Value Pack240 TabletsSKU : 5034 |
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