Vitamin D

 

With all the current pregnancies in our church, I thought I'd look into some of the disorders that may arise during a pregnancy. I also looked at vitamins and minerals, and their affect, both good and bad, on pregnant women. One such order that I've found is Preeclampsia, which from at least one study showed that all the women suffering from this disorder had low levels of vitamin d and omega-3.

What is Preeclampsia?

According to the Preeclampsia website, "Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms." [1]

The exact causes of Preeclampsia remain unclear, although researchers suspect poor nutrition, high body fat, immune deficiencies, and insufficient blood flow to the uterus, with ethnicity and heredity seen as possible factors.

Hopes have been raised for a number of possible preventive factors – including antioxidant vitamins and chocolate – but these indications were not supported by subsequent research (Triche EW et al. 2008; Rumbold A et al. 2008; Klebanoff MA et al. 2009). [2]

Can low vitamin D levels have an affect on women during their pregnancy?

A recent study conducted in Norway showed that "nulliparous women who develop Preeclampsia had low concentrations of vitamin D in serum sampled in mid-pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to estimate the association between intake of vitamin D during pregnancy and the risk of Preeclampsia in 23,423 nulliparous pregnant women taking part in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study." [3]

The findings in the study may not be conclusive, however, it did show that women who had Preeclampsia, did have a lower level of vitamin d. "The findings are consistent with other reports of a protective effect of vitamin D on Preeclampsia development. However, because vitamin D intake is highly correlated with the intake of long chain n-3 fatty acids in the Norwegian diet, further research is needed to disentangle the separate effects of these nutrients." [3]

Because of the high consumption of fish in the Norwegian diet, researchers also noted that the women who reported higher vitamin D intake also reported higher omega-3 intake (from food and/or pills). This makes sense, given that fish are by far the best food sources of both nutrients.

You may have heard that omega-3 essential fatty acids are an important part of your diet, and so is vitamin d. Whether you are pregnant or not, eating healthy foods and taking a daily supplement is the key to good health.

A good source of vitamin d is TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, which provides, five forms of chelated calcium, over 20 bone-fortifying vitamins and minerals, 100% RDI of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D, and Chlorophyll-coated tablets that protect valuable nutrients, time-releasing optimal absorption.

And a good source of omega-3 is TriVita's Omega Prime, which meet the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. One daily dose of Omega Prime provides the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

To learn more about TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, go to TriVita Products and click on the Vitamin D link.

Jeffrey Sloe
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
TriVita Independent Business Affiliate, 12871028
Vitamin D

Sources:
[1] http://www.Preeclampsia.org/about.asp
[2] Triche EW, Grosso LM, Belanger K, Darefsky AS, Benowitz NL, Bracken MB. Chocolate consumption in pregnancy and reduced likelihood of Preeclampsia. Epidemiology. 2008 May;19(3):459-64.
[3] http://journals.lww.com/epidem/Abstract/2009/09000/Vitamin_D_Supplementation_and_Reduced_Risk_of.18.aspx

Vitamin D

In recent articles, I've written about the importance of vitamin D, and the causes of this vitamin deficiency. The University of Maine conducted a study led by Dr. Susan Sullivan, and has concluded that people living in the northern hemisphere need four times the amount of this all important vitamin in the winter months.

The current recommended daily requirement of vitamin D is "200 IU for people up to 50 years of age, 400 IU for people between 51 and 70, and 600 IU for over the 70s years. However, according to new findings published in the Journal of Nutrition, daily intakes of 20 micrograms are required for twenty-something women to achieve optimized vitamin D status living in Maine." [1]

Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because the body synthesizes it from sunlight - specifically, from UV-B rays, most commonly known as the burning rays. These burning rays are most available between 10 am and 2 pm, in places further from the equator. Most of us avoid spending a lot of time in the sun during these hours because of the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, which comes from over-exposure to the sun, or sunburn.

People living in the northern most parts of the world do not get enough exposure to sunlight during the winter months. That's the reason for the increased amounts of vitamin D. "While our bodies do manufacture vitamin D on exposure to sunshine, the levels in some northern countries are so weak during the winter months that our body makes no vitamin D at all, meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to boost intakes of vitamin D." [1]

The major function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recent research also suggests it may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension, heart disease, certain cancers and several auto immune diseases including diabetes.

"In adults, it is said vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. There is also some evidence that the vitamin may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer and type-1 diabetes." [1]

As researchers continue to gather information about vitamin D, many companies like TriVita have already taken action to produce a supplement that can generate the same natural benefits of sunshine. Since our bodies cannot manufacture without sunlight, we need to be taking a daily supplement.

The nutritional experts at TriVita know the importance of vitamin D. That's why they have created VitaCal-Mag D. VitaCal-Mag D provides, five forms of chelated calcium, over 20 bone-fortifying vitamins and minerals, 100% RDI of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D, and Chlorophyll-coated tablets that protect valuable nutrients, time-releasing optimal absorption.

To learn more about TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, go to TriVita Products and click on the Vitamin D link.

Jeffrey Sloe
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
TriVita Independent Business Affiliate, 12871028

Sources:
[1] www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Four-times-current-vitamin-D-doses-needed-for-winter-levels-Study/?c=m6wryBCkbEotmub3lbhtuQ%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a powerful inhibitor of cancer development and growth - and vitamin D is produced almost entirely by exposure to the sun. It's been noted that just 30 minutes of direct sunlight produces up to 50,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D.

In the 1970s and '80s, the medical establishment, led by dermatologists, sounded an alarm over the rising number of malignant melanomas in the United States. Since doctors believed that most skin cancers were the result of too much exposure to UVB rays from the sun, they launched a campaign to persuade people to use sun blockers and stay out of the sun.

This campaign caused more problems than it corrected. Skin cancer is also caused by UVA rays, which most sun blocks don't block, and since the sun was considered the main source of vitamin D, many people became vitamin D deficient. Thus, by making people vitamin D deficient, they inadvertently increased people's risk of developing all forms of skin cancer, including the deadly malignant melanoma.

That's only part of the problem when it comes to vitamin D deficiency. Recent research has revealed that vitamin D deficiency also contributes to serious neurological and brain disorders, including autism, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, a M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon, and a practicing physician for more than 30 years, has created an important report that explains the importance of vitamin D, and what most of the medical experts are not telling you. I've read some of Dr. Blaylock's report, and the information he provides will change the way you view your doctor's agenda.

Vitamin D is a very complex substance. For more than half a century vitamin D was thought only to mineralize bones. But recent studies, according to Dr. Blaylock's report, indicate that it does much more:

• Regulates calcium in all cells (especially brain cells)
• Protects the immune system
• Regulates cell growth and cell death
• Provides antioxidant and antiviral benefits

Dr. Blaylock also says, "we now know that vitamin D deficiency is very common in the elderly. This makes sense because so many are house-bound and avoid sun exposure."

Since many of us do not get enough sunlight exposure, we need to take a daily vitamin D supplement. This vitamin is too important to the health of your body to ignore.

TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, is my choice for vitamin D. It provides, five forms of chelated calcium, over 20 bone-fortifying vitamins and minerals, 100% RDI of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D, and Chlorophyll-coated tablets that protect valuable nutrients, time-releasing optimal absorption. TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D is also absorbable so you can get the nutrition you need for healthier bones.

To learn more about TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, go to http://trivitaproduct.info and click on the Vitamin D link.

Jeffrey Sloe
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
TriVita Independent Business Affiliate, 12871028

Sources:
[1] http://w3.newsmax.com/blaylock/51b.cfm?s=al&promo_code=881B-1

The above information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

 

Vitamin D Deficiency, a Growing Global Problem?

I've been doing my own research on the effects of vitamin deficiency and I've come to the same conclusion as other researchers. Some of the research shows that vitamin D helps metabolize calcium in the body and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis. With that said, there is now new information which indicates that there are several areas around the world at risk for vitamin D deficiency along with related complications.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has created another report which says there are several factors that lead to "widespread deficiency and subsequent problems with bone health."

"Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and, to a lesser extent, is derived from nutritional sources. It plays an important role, through its influence on calcium levels, in the maintenance of organ systems, and is needed for normal bone mineralization and growth. Suboptimal levels of vitamin D may lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture and, in severe cases, to the development of rickets, a softening of bones in children that can lead to skeletal fractures and deformity." [1]

"Osteoporosis, which literally means 'porous bone', is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As the bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased. The loss of bone occurs 'silently' and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs." [2]

According to the report, "urbanization means fewer individuals spend time outside and soak up vitamin D from sunshine, while females in many countries in the Middle East or South Asia dress in restrictive clothing that prevents their skin from absorbing any sun."

An inadequate diet can also cause deficiencies of the vitamin, especially if the individuals have little or no access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

It's been noted that a "lack of vitamin D can cause brittle bones, put women and the elderly at a higher risk of osteoporosis and even cause rickets in younger children."

One way to ensure that individuals maintain adequate levels is to take a nutritional supplement with at least 50nmol/L of vitamin D each day. TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D meets those requirements and more.

According to TriVita, "the key to bone health is calcium and vitamin D. These are the two essential ingredients that will help you maintain the strength of your skeletal system, ensure regular cellular activity, proper cardiac function, and preserve the health of other vital body systems."

TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D provides, five forms of chelated calcium, over 20 bone-fortifying vitamins and minerals, 100% RDI of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D, and Chlorophyll-coated tablets that protect valuable nutrients, time-releasing optimal absorption. TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D is also absorbable so you can get the nutrition you need for healthier bones.

To learn more about TriVita's VitaCal-Mag D, go to TriVita Products and click on the Vitamin D link.

Jeffrey Sloe
440-725-3729
jeff@internetmarketingadvisors.net
TriVita Independent Business Affiliate, 12871028

Sources
[1] www.iofbonehealth.org/news/news-detail.html?newsID=281
[2] http://www.iofbonehealth.org/patients-public/about-osteoporosis/what-is-osteoporosis.html