Vitamin D Max — As low as $18.95

Warning: Don't be fooled by companies which offer a lower price per bottle . . . D Max is a much better value, as it comes in a 250 count bottle, while most other companies sell a 60 count bottle. Based on the single bottle price, the cost of D Max is less than $2.75 per month. (the monthly cost is less when buying larger quantities)

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is a pre-hormone that has long been known for its important role in regulating body levels of calcium and phosphorus, and in mineralization of bone.

Vitamin D is metabolized into a potent steroid hormone called calcitriol, More recently, it has become clear that receptors for calcitriol, are present in a wide variety of cells, and that calcitriol, has biologic effects which extend far beyond control of mineral metabolism.

It is believed that vitamin D and its metabolites, play an important part in the regulation of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation and proliferation. By promoting differentiation and inhibiting proliferation, vitamin D may become an important factor in cancer prevention and therapy.

Through its regulation of genes, calcitriol controls the production of immune factors known as lymphokines, which effect cell-mediated immunity functions.

Vitamin D may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:

Video Cips featuring John Cannell, MD from the Vitamin D Council

Video Cips featuring other Doctors speaking out about the benefits of Vitamin D3

According to Dr Damian Downing: "Don't get H1N1 vaccination . . . take Vitamin D3 instead"

Vitamin D is NOT actually a Vitamin.

Contrary to common belief, Vitamin D is NOT actually a vitamin at all. "Vitamins" by definition, are nutrients that CANNOT be produced by the body, but are NECESSARY for the proper functioning of the body's tissues and organs. Although Vitamin D is ESSENTAL for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and IS required for the normal development of healthy bones and teeth, since it IS produced by our bodies (when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun) technically, it can NOT be considered a vitamin.

Vitamin D was originally classified as a vitamin because of the findings of a British researcher in 1920, who raised dogs in the winter (without any exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays). He found that the animals developed rickets (a bone disease) unless fed a diet containing fish-liver oils. He wrongly concluded that the fat soluble substance needed for developing bones was not found naturally in the body and so was a "vitamin". In 1924 researchers discovered that exposing skin to sunlight resulted in the body's own production of this so-called "fat-soluble vitamin". Despite the misnomer, for nutritional and public health reasons, vitamin D continues to be officially classified as a "vitamin".

There are two basic types of vitamin D. Or are there?

If one sifts through the published studies and literature about Vitamin D, one will see many inconsistencies and contradictions which lead to much confusion on the subject. As mentioned above, referring to Vitamin D as a vitamin in the first place is a misnomer. If that weren't confusing enough, there is also the convention of referring to 2 types of Vitamin D, Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3.

1. In humans, Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is converted from it's basic building block (cholesterol) when ultraviolet light hits Pro-Vitamin D (a squalene metabolite) in the cells of our skin. Vitamin D3 does not have significant biological activity, rather, must be metabolized, first by the liver and then by the kidneys into the converted, fully-active, hormonal form of Vitamin D (calcitriol).
2. In plants, Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is converted from it's basic building block (ergosterol) when ultraviolet light from the sun hits the leaves of the plant. Though frequently referred to as Vitamin D2, ergocalciferol is NOT really Vitamin D, but rather a Vitamin D analog. It was a patented drug before the patent ran out. It does not occur in humans, is only half as potent as cholecalciferol, has been associated with most of the Vitamin D toxitity cases and should be avoided.

Vitamin D3 amounts are most often referred to in iu (international units) though sometimes referred to in mg. 1 mg of vitamin D3 is equal to 40,000 iu (1 mcg of D3 is equal to 40 iu), so then each 5,000 iu capsule of Dmax is equal to 0.125 mg (125 mcg) of vitamin D3.

The IOM (Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy has not established an RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) for Vitamin D, only an AI (Adequate Intake) for otherwise healthy persons to avoid metabolic bone disease. Although the current AI for Vitamin D is around 200 iu/day recent research suggests 5,000 iu/day of cholecalciferol is optimum for those who do not have regular, year-round sun exposure.

Other researchers including Robert Barefoot have suggested doses as high as 30,000 iu/day.

Most brands on the market contain 200 to 400 iu of Vitamin D per capsule. D-Max contains a whopping 5,000 iu per capsule.

Vitamin D Toxicity Fear Unwarranted

According to John Jacob Cannell, MD, (Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council) "Fear of vitamin D toxicity is unwarranted, and such unwarranted fear, bordering on hysteria, is rampant in the medical profession. Even Ian Monroe, the chair of the relevant IOM committee, wrote to the Journal to compliment Vieth's work (see below) and to promise his findings will be considered at the time of a future Institute of Medicine review.

In 1999, Vieth indirectly asked the medical community to produce any evidence 10,000 units of vitamin D a day was toxic, saying "Throughout my preparation of this review, I was amazed at the lack of evidence supporting statements about the toxicity of moderate doses of vitamin D." He added: "If there is published evidence of toxicity in adults from an intake of 250 ug (10,000 IU) per day, and that is verified by the 25(OH)D concentration, I have yet to find it."

Physician ignorance about vitamin D toxicity is widespread. Like most medication, cholecalciferol is certainly toxic in excess, and, like Coumadin, is used as a rodent poison for this purpose. Animal data indicates signs of toxicity can occur with ingestion of 0.5 mg/kg (20,000 IU/kg ), while the oral LD50 (the dose it takes to kill half the animals) for cholecalciferol in dogs is about 88 mg/kg, or 3,520,000 IU/kg. This would be equivalent to a 110 pound adult taking 176,000,000 IU or 440,000 of the 400 unit cholecalciferol capsules. Vieth reports human toxicity probably begins to occur after chronic daily consumption of approximately 40,000 IU/day (100 of the 400 IU capsules).

Cholecalciferol, Not Ergocalciferol, Is Safe

Although there are documented cases of pharmacological overdoses from ergocalciferol, the only documented case of pharmacological, not industrial, toxicity from cholecalciferol we could find in the literature was intoxication from over the counter supplement called Prolongevity. On closer inspection, it seemed more like an industrial accident but is interesting because it gives us some idea of the safety of cholecalciferol. The capsules consumed contained up to 430 times the amount of cholecalciferol contained on the label (2,000 IU). The man had been taking between 156,000B2,604,000 IU of cholecalciferol a day (equivalent to between 390B6,500 of the 400 unit capsules) for two years. He recovered uneventfully after the proper diagnosis, treatment with steroids and sunscreen.

It is true that a few people may have problems with high calcium due to undiagnosed vitamin D hypersensitivity syndromes such as primary hyperparathyroidism, granulomatous disease or occult cancers but a blood calcium level, PTH, 25(OH)D, and calcitriol level should help clarify the cause of the hypersensitivity. Although D can be toxic in excess, the same can be said for water."

It is very important to note that Vitamin D should NOT be taken by anyone who has primary hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, granulomatous disease, or other conditions that cause high blood calcium.

Vitamin D and Bone Health

The major biologic 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 teeth and bones. It functions by increasing the uptake of calcium from the intestine through interaction with the parathyroid glands in controlling bone resorption and serum calcium levels. The skeleton is the body's reservoir of calcium and provides calcium through resorption of mineral when serum levels of this essential element drop. Vitamin D also increases reabsorption of phosphate by the kidney tubule, and may directly affect the osteoblast, the cell which forms bone.

Rickets Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen. Rickets is a bone disease that affects children who are vitamin D deficient. It is defined as the failure of the osteoid to calcify. It causes progressive softening and weakening of the bones' structure. This softening results in bones becoming flexible and gradually molded by forces such as bearing weigh exerted on them. Children with rickets may not grow to their full potential and may develope deformities of the body structure such as knonk-knees or bowed legs. It is very well documented that Vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Osteomalacia is basically the same disease as rickets but occurring in adults. Rickets and osteomalacia were both recognized as being caused by vitamin D deficiency 75 years ago; their prevention and cure with fish liver oil constituted one of the early triumphs of nutritional science. The requirement for vitamin D has been pegged to these disorders ever since. Seniors in northern climates and people who do not receive direct sunlight for at least 45 minutes per week should take a vitamin D supplement.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by fragile bones, resulting in an increased risk of bone fractures. It is estimated that over 25 million adults in the United States have, or are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is most common in post menopausal women.

Low levels of vitamin D and insufficient sunlight exposure (less than 20 minutes per day) are associated with both osteoporosis and a greater incidence of hip fractures. Additionally, older women are at greater risk because although normal bone is constantly being remodeled (broken down and rebuilt), during menopause, the balance between these two systems is upset, resulting in more bone being broken down (resorbed) than rebuilt.

Increased vitamin D intake is associated with less bone loss in older women. Vitamin D is needed to properly absorb calcium. Adequate amounts of vitamin D throughout one's life (in conjunction with exercise, proper nutrition, calcium, and magnesium) is necessary for preventing bone loss. Since bone loss increases the risk of fractures, vitamin D supplementation can help heal bone fractures from osteoporosis and decrease the risk of future bone breaks.

Having normal storage levels of vitamin D in your body helps keep your bones strong and helps prevent osteoporosis in elderly, non-ambulatory individuals, in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.

Osteoarthritis Arthritis and its associated symptoms occur because of breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Just as vitamin D is needed for bone health, it is also needed to maintain healthy cartilage. Low intakes of vitamin D is 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. Progression of degenerative arthritis of the knee and hip is faster in people with lower vitamin D concentrations. Studies evaluating vitamin D use for osteoarthritis have found that it prevents the breakdown of cartilage.

Vitamin D and Dental Health

As we age, vitamin D becomes an even more critical nutrient not only for bone health, but for healthy teeth. A study published in the July 2004 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that evaluated 11,202 subjects 20 years of age or older found that, in both men and women over 50, lack of vitamin D significantly increased risk of periodontal disease, a common chronic inflammatory gum disease that is an important risk factor for tooth loss. Men with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D had a 61% higher risk of periodontal disease. Women with the least vitamin D in their blood had an even higher, 74% increased risk of periodontal disease.

Tufts University researchers, have correlated higher intake of calcium and vitamin D with improved dental health. This study was actually an 'add-on' to a study intended to measure the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplements on hip bone strength, and to see if the benefits to bone density gained by using supplements held over time. To address these questions, 145 healthy adults over age 65 received either a supplement that contained 500 mg calcium and 700 IU vitamin D or an inactive sugar pill, daily, for 3 years. Over the following 2 years, participants could elect to take calcium supplements, although they were not required to do so.

Halfway through the original phase of the study and again at the five-year point, the participants were asked to report the number of teeth lost at some point during the study. The researchers were looking for a connection between intake of calcium and vitamin D and tooth loss. After accounting for other factors - like daily oral care and history of periodontal disease - that can affect tooth loss, they found that those who took calcium and vitamin D supplements for 3 years were about half as likely as others in the study to lose teeth. The same was true for those who continued to consume at least 1000 mg of calcium a day during the 2-year follow-up period.

Research on the potential connection between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and oral bone strength has produced mixed results. But several studies have found a link between low bone mineral density and tooth loss, and studies in animals have demonstrated that an adequate calcium intake can help prevent osteoporosis-like damage to jaw bones. This current study is important because it adds to what scientists know about the connection between nutrition and dental health.

Vitamin D and Cancer

Laboratory, animal, and epidemiologic evidence suggest that vitamin D may be protective against some cancers. Clinical studies now show vitamin D deficiency to be associated with four of the most common cancers:

• Breast
• Prostate
• Colon
• Skin

It is well established that vitamin D acts as an effective regulator of cell growth and differentiation in a number of different cell types, including cancer cells. Through this action, Vitamin D behaves as a protective factor which decreases the risk of getting cancer.

Evidence of vitamin D's protective effect against cancer is compelling. For more than 50 years, documentation in the medical literature suggests regular sun exposure is associated with substantial decreases in death rates from certain cancers and a decrease in overall cancer death rates. Recent research suggests this is a causal relationship that acts through the body's vitamin D metabolic pathways. For instance, some evidence points to a prostate, breast and colon cancer belt in the United States, which lies in northern latitudes under more cloud cover than other regions during the year. Rates for these cancers are two to three times higher than in sunnier areas.v

Dark-skinned people require more sun exposure to make vitamin D. The thickness of the skin layer called the stratum corneum affects the absorption of UV radiation. Black human skin is thicker than white skin and thus transmits only about 40 percent of the UV rays for vitamin D production. Darkly pigmented individuals who live in sunny equatorial climates experience a higher mortality rate (not incidence) from breast and prostate cancer when they move to geographic areas that are deprived of sunlight exposure in winter months. The rate of increase varies, and researchers hesitate to quote figures because many migrant black populations also have poor nutrition and deficient health care that confound statistics somewhat.

Although excessive sun exposure may give rise to skin cancer, researchers as early as 1936 were aware that skin cancer patients have reduced rates of other cancers. One researcher estimates moderate sunning would prevent 30,000 annual cancer deaths in the United States.

Vitamin D may also go beyond cancer prevention and provide tumor therapy. Much ado has been made of pharmaceutical angiogenesis inhibitors agents that help inhibit the growth of new, undesirable blood vessels that tumors require for nutrient supply and growth. Laboratory tests have shown vitamin D to be a potent angiogenesis inhibitor.

Vitamin D also works at another stage of cancer development. Tumor cells are young, immortal cells that never grow up, mature and die off. Because vitamin D derivatives have been shown to promote normal cell growth and maturation, drug companies today are attempting to engineer patentable forms of vitamin D for anti-cancer therapy.

For over 60 years researchers have observed an inverse association between sun exposure and cancer mortality. The inverse relationship between higher vitamin D levels in blood and lower cancer risk in humans is best documented for colon and colorectal cancers. Researchers have found that people who eat adequate amounts of vitamin D have a lower risk of developing colon cancer than those who do not eat enough. Vitamin D emerged as a protective factor in a study of over 3,000 adults (96% of whom were men) who underwent a colonoscopy between 1994 and 1997 to look for polyps or lesions in the colon. About 10% of the group was found to have at least one advanced neoplastic (cancerous) lesion in the colon. There was a significantly lower risk of advanced cancerous lesions among those with the highest vitamin D intake.

Vitamin D may slow prostate tumor growth

A new study, suggests that giving vitamin D supplements to men with rising rates of prostate tumor markers (PSA) seems to slow down their rate of tumor growth. "The PSA levels seemed to reflect the seasonal variation in vitamin D levels," Dr. Lawrence Klotz, a urologist at Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre. Researchers followed 190 men for the study. They found that overall, their PSA levels were flat during the summer, but rose during the fall and winter at the rate of about one per cent each month.

The doctors then gave the men 2,000 International Units of vitamin D during the fall and winter months to see what would happen. Interestingly, the vitamin D seemed to cut the rise in PSA rates by more than half. Without vitamin D, PSA rates rose by about five per cent. With vitamin D, PSA rates only rose by two per cent. "As far as I know, there is no other nutrient studied that has shown a slowdown in the rate of rise of a PSA." said Reinhold Veith, a professor at the University of Toronto and a leading researcher in the field of vitamin D research.

Ken Waldie, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998, had his prostate removed. But soon after that, his PSA levels continued to rise. He never thought there might be a link between cold Canadian winters and his health, but he started charting his PSA levels, and kept at it for five years. Waldie noticed that when he spent winters in the sunny Bahamas, his PSA levels were usually stable, signaling no growth.But, during winters spent in cloudy Kingston, Ontario, Waldie noticed that his PSA levels would rise. "About 85 per cent of the increase over that five years happened in the north," Waldie said. "So I realized sunlight had something to do with it."

Under the supervision of his doctor, Waldie decided to experiment. In the winter, he took doses of vitamin D similar to what he'd get in the summer sunlight (about 10,000 I.U.) and kept an eye on his PSA levels. "When I started taking vitamin D, it leveled off," Waldie said. "I think they are dramatic results."

Vitamin D Could Decrease Overall Cancer Risk 30%

A recent epidemiological study (January 03, 2005) supports the case that higher vitamin D intake could dramatically lower the rate of cancer in the United States. Other studies have suggested that higher vitamin D levels help protect against colon, prostate, and breast cancer, but a long-term study of 50,000 men by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health suggests vitamin D may reduce the risk of all cancers. The study found that men who consumed higher levels of vitamin D reduced their overall cancer risk by at least 30 percent, according to lead author, Ed Giovannucci. The findings were statistically significant, he said, and a separate study of women is expected to produce similar results.

Another interesting angle here is this huge benefit against cancer is coming from a vitamin that is not classified as an antioxidant. For decades researchers have been trying to use antioxidant free radical quenching vitamins such as beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C to reduce cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. The results have been pretty disappointing. Now the biggest potential benefit turns out to be from a vitamin which is most likely operating by a mechanism unrelated to prevention of free radical damage.

Keep in mind that this result will not carry over to the world as a whole. Some populations are consistently exposed to enough sunlight for their skins to synthesize the amount of vitamin D that they need. But a 30% reduction in cancer in America looks to be possible. That would be an enormous boon, both lengthening lives and reducing medical costs.

This latest study does not come as a surprise. It builds upon a larger body of epidemiological evidence for a wide array of benefits from consumption of greater quantities of vitamin D. A previous analysis found that addition of Vitamin D and calcium to grains would reduce the incidences of fractures and colon cancer and save $3 billion per year for a cost of less than $20 million per year.

Vitamin D does protect men from prostate cancer. A high circulating level of the biologically active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2 vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D) is known to inhibit formation of cancer in the prostate. Eating a diet high in meat and milk and low in fruit reduces the level of this anti-prostate cancer vitamin. "High intakes of calcium and phosphorus, largely from dairy products, lower circulating 1,25(OH)2D level, and sulfur-containing amino acids from animal protein lower blood pH, which also suppresses 1,25(OH)2D production."

Vitamin D Lowers Risk of Type 1 Diabetes in Infants

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. In fact, last year it was shown that vitamin D deficiency is likely to be a major factor for the development of type one diabetes in children.

Babies who received at least 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily were nearly 80% less likely to develop type 1 diabetes over the next three decades compared with infants who had lower intakes of the vitamin.

It is not clear how vitamin D may lower the risk of type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body's own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. However, vitamin D has been shown to suppress certain cells of the immune system that may play a role in the development of the disorder. As type 1 diabetes is considered to be an autoimmune disease, it seems likely that vitamin D would be needed in enabling the optimal function of the immune system and in preventing too aggressive attacks against the body's own tissues.

Research on animals has shown an association between vitamin D and a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes. To investigate the relationship in humans, the researchers followed more than 10,000 women who were due to give birth in 1966 in northern Finland. New mothers recorded whether they gave vitamin D supplements to their children and how much they provided, during the first year of life. Researchers tracked the number of children who developed type 1 diabetes over 31 years.

Nearly 12% of children were given vitamin D supplements occasionally during their first year of life, 88% received regular vitamin D supplements and less than 1% were not given vitamin D. Overall, 81 children were diagnosed with diabetes during the study.

The investigators believe that vitamin D might somehow inhibit the autoimmune reaction targeted towards the beta cells of the pancreas. Furthermore, impairment of immune system functioning by a suboptimum vitamin D status in infancy could have long-term effects on immune responses later in life. Interestingly, northern Finland, which has the highest reported incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world, only receives two hours of sunlight during December. Another interesting fact is that. "Between 47% and 97% of infants in European countries receive a vitamin D supplement whereas few infants in the USA are given one, and when they are, it is generally in the form of a multivitamin preparation in the USA."

Another recent study (in Norway) was conducted to find out whether the intake of dietary cod liver oil or other sources of vitamin D such as supplements taken by either mothers during pregnancy or by children during the first year of their life, was linked to lowering the risk of type 1 diabetes among children. The nationwide case-control study was done in Norway and consisted of 545 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and 1,668 control participants. Families were sent a questionnaire in the mail and were required to answer questions pertaining to the number of times they used cod liver oil or other vitamin D supplements. Results from the study showed that taking cod liver oil during the first year of life greatly lowered the risk of type 1 diabetes. The study concluded that the anti-inflammatory effects of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil might have the capability of reducing the risk of type 1 diabetes.

Another study (in Bulgaria) shows that giving vitamin D supplements to diabetics during the winter markedly improved control of their blood sugar levels. The majority of North Americans require sunlight to meet their needs for vitamin D because they do not meet their needs from the foods that they eat. Many people in temperate climates therefore are deficient in vitamin D by the end of winter. Lack of vitamin D impairs a person's immunity and ability to produce insulin and respond to insulin. This study shows that giving vitamin D pills to Type 2 diabetics during the winter improved control of blood sugar levels by increasing the first response of insulin from the pancreas to a rise in blood sugar, and by improving cell response to insulin.

Vitamin D and Heart Disease

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.

High Blood Pressure Low levels of vitamin D may play role in the development of high blood pressure in those with kidney disease and/or hyperparathyroidism. One study, for example, 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.

Vitamin D and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures. This may be because many Alzheimer's patients are homebound, frequently sunlight deprived, and older. With aging, less vitamin D is converted to its active form. One study of women with Alzheimer's disease found that decreased bone mineral density was associated with a low intake of vitamin D and inadequate sunlight exposure. Physicians should evaluate the need for vitamin D supplementation as part of an overall treatment plan for adults with Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis and Crohn's disease have all been linked with low vitamin D levels.

An abundance of scientific evidence indicates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with the onset and progression of MS and other autoimmune diseases. Recent findings have shown that MS rates are significantly lower in areas that receive a lot of sunlight and where people eat a lot of fish, which is rich in vitamin D.

"We need adequate amounts of Vitamin D to keep cell growth and activity in check," says Michael Holick, MD, PhD, director of the Vitamin D Research Lab at Boston University Medical Center and considered by many to be the nation's leading authority on this vitamin. When the body is deficient in this crucial nutrient - best known for coming from sunlight - cells go haywire, become overly active or multiplying too quickly.

That's why the new finding doesn't surprise Holick, who wasn't involved in it. "It's been well-known that if you live at a higher altitude, where there's less sun exposure, you're at a higher risk of developing MS", Conversely, if you live in a sunny climate where vitamin D Vitamins can be easily absorbed year-round from sunlight for your first 10 years, "it imprints on you a decreased MS risk that can last a lifetime," Holick explains.

"We've known for some time that vitamin D can affect function of the immune system, which could explain why it seems beneficial to many autoimmune conditions," says Kassandra Munger, MSc, of Harvard School of Public Health, a researcher for this study. "In animal studies, vitamin D has been shown to suppress the autoimmune response in rats with a disorder EAE, the animal equivalent of MS."

Animal experiments reveal that vitamin D hormone can suppress a variety of animal autoimmune diseases including EAE, the animal equivalent of MS. Furthermore, associated immunological studies have shown that vitamin D hormone has a number of immunomodulating functions, all of which contribute to the suppression of inflammatory autoimmune reactions. Small clinical trials have suggested that vitamin D has some efficacy in slowing autoimmune disease progression.

Munger's results are encouraging because 20% to 80% of Americans may already be vitamin D deficient - at least during winter months. While as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure on bare, unprotected skin can prevent deficiencies in warm and sunny months, it's virtually impossible for most Americans to get that kind of exposure this time of year.

However, Munger says that no matter where they lived (which could help determine their Vitamin D Vitamins exposure from sunlight), her study's participants who got the highest intake of vitamin D from supplements had the lowest risk of developing MS. Interestingly, those whose Vitamin D Vitamins came only from food, but not pills, had no such decreased risk - no matter their intake.

Her study is part of the ongoing Nurses' Health Study that has been tracking, for nearly 20 years, how various nutritional and lifestyle habits impact health in some 190,000 women. It's the latest evidence to show that something as simple as taking a vitamin D supplement can offer significant protection against a disease that afflicts some 400,000 Americans. Although the cause of MS is unknown, experts believe it is partly an autoimmune disease that causes lesions within the brain and spinal cord, slowing or blocking nerve signals that control muscle coordination, visual sensation, and other vital functions.

Margherita Cantorna, PhD, a longtime researcher on how vitamin D Vitamins impacts multiple sclerosis, was not involved in Mungers study, but like Holick, says she isn't surprised by the findings."We found that taking vitamin supplements of 1,000 iu's caused changes in blood chemistry that indicated positive effects for multiple sclerosis patients - basically, it reduced their symptoms."

"It's pretty clear that when level of vitamin D Vitamins are too low, there's a greater tendency for cells that cause autoimmune problems to come out in those genetically susceptible people," says Cantorna "And it's pretty clear that taking supplemental vitamin D Vitamins is a good idea. You're hard-pressed to get enough vitamin D solely from food or from sunlight in the winter."

Other recent studies link a Vitamin D deficiency to a greater risk of other autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, unexplained muscle and joint pain, heart disease and various forms of cancer. As with MS and other autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and organs in the body, the secret may be in how this nutrient affects cell activity.

Throughout most of the two million years of human development, humans had a relatively high intake of vitamin D (~5000-10,000 IU/day) from the sun. Major environmental changes brought on by the agricultural, industrial and technological revolutions have resulted in large populations in northern climates experiencing a subclinical and chronic vitamin D deficiency and this deficiency is more pronounced in persons with MS. Vitamin D deficiency is just one of a number of nutrient-related factors which play a role in MS. Notably the dietary regimens which contain the most pro-inflammatory food types (e.g. gluten, dairy, saturated fat) and the least anti-inflammatory nutrients ( vitamin D, omega 3 fats) occur in areas in which MS and other autoimmune diseases are most common. To combat MS, a person must change their lifestyle with diet revision being perhaps the most useful modification. As part of this change, it is important to ensure that sufficient vitamin D (4000 IU/day) is acquired through sun exposure and supplements.

Single, infrequent, intense, skin exposure to UV-B light suppresses the immune system and causes harm. However chronic low-level exposure normalizes immune function and enhances immune cell production. This reduces abnormal inflammatory responses such as found in autoimmune disorders, and reducing occurrences of infectious disease.

Vitamin D and Obesity

Have you ever wondered why some people can eat all they want and not get fat, while others are constantly battling extra pounds? The answer may have to do with vitamin D and calcium status. Sunlight, UV-B, and vitamin D normalize food intake and normalize blood sugar. Weight normalization is associated with higher levels of vitamin D and adequate calcium.61 Obesity is associated with vitamin-D deficiency. In fact, obese persons have impaired production of UV-B-stimulated D and impaired absorption of food source and supplemental D.

When the diet lacks calcium, whether from D or calcium deficiency, there is an increase in fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that converts calories into fat. Higher levels of calcium with adequate vitamin D inhibit fatty acid synthase while diets low in calcium increase fatty acid synthase by as much as five-fold. In one study, genetically obese rats lost 60 percent of their body fat in six weeks on a diet that had moderate calorie reduction but was high in calcium. All rats supplemented with calcium showed increased body temperature indicating a shift from calorie storage to calorie burning (thermogenesis).

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with obesity. Vitamin D has recently been shown to lower leptin secretion. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells and is involved in weight regulation. It is thought that the hormone signals the brain when fat cells are "full," but exactly how the hormone controls weight is not entirely clear.

Additionally, obesity by itself probably further worsens vitamin D deficiency due to the decreased bioavailability of vitamin D from skin and dietary sources, because of its being deposited in body fat.

Orlistat, a medication used for weight loss and olestra, a substance added to certain food products, are both intended to bind to fat and prevent the absorption of fat and the associated calories. Because of their effects on fat, orlistat and olestra may also prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D. Given this concern and possibility, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires that vitamin D and other fat soluble vitamins (namely, A, E, and K) be added to food products containing olestra. How well vitamin D from such food products is absorbed and used by the body is not clear. In addition, physicians who prescribe orlistat add a multivitamin with fat soluble vitamins to the regimen.

Vitamin D and Other Diseases

Infertility and PMS

Infertility is associated with low vitamin D, and PMS has been completely reversed by addition of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

Fatigue, Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Activated vitamin D in the adrenal gland regulates tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate limiting enzyme necessary for the production of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Low vitamin D may contribute to chronic fatigue and depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder has been treated successfully with vitamin D. In a recent study covering 30 days of treatment comparing Vitamin D and 2 hour daily use of 'light boxes', depression completely resolved in the D group, but not in the light box group.

Syndrome X

Vitamin D deficiency has been clearly linked with Syndrome X. Syndrome X refers specifically to a group of health problems that can include insulin resistance (the inability to properly deal with dietary carbohydrates and sugars), abnormal blood fats (such as elevated cholesterol and triglycerides), overweight, and high blood pressure.

Abnormalities of the Parathyroid Hormones

The parathyroids are four glands located in the neck and produce parathyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. Low levels of parathyroid hormone (called hypoparathyroid) leads to low levels of calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D by prescription, along with calcium, is the mainstay of treatment for this condition.

On the other hand, low levels of vitamin D can lead to what is called secondary hyperparathyroidism. In other words, the parathyroid glands begin to over produce parathyroid hormone in response to the low levels of vitamin D -- trying to increase the amount of this essential nutrient in the body. The treatment for this type of hyperparathyroidism is also vitamin D.

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.

Tuberculosis

Low levels of vitamin D may make a person more susceptible to contracting tuberculosis. Preliminary reports suggest that vitamin D may be a worthwhile addition to the usual treatment for this infection.

Vitamin D and Steroids

Steroids, like prednisone, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation from a variety of medical problems. These medicines may be essential for a person's medical treatment, but they have potential side effects, including decreased calcium absorption.

There is some evidence that steroids may also impair vitamin D metabolism, further contributing to the loss of bone and development of osteoporosis associated with steroid medications. One study demonstrated that patients who received 0.25 ƒ g of active vitamin D and 1000 mg calcium per day in addition to corticosteroid therapy after a kidney transplant avoided rapid bone loss commonly associated with post-transplant therapy.

For these reasons, individuals on chronic steroid therapy should consult with a qualified health care professional about the need to increase vitamin D intake through diet and/or dietary supplements.

Vitamin D and Caffeine

High caffeine intake may accelerate bone loss. Caffeine may inhibit vitamin D receptors, thus limiting absorption of vitamin D and decreasing bone mineral density. A study found that elderly postmenopausal women who consumed more than 300 milligrams per day of caffeine (which is equivalent to approximately 18 oz of caffeinated coffee) lost more bone in the spine than women who consumed less than 300 milligrams per day. However, there is also evidence that increasing calcium intake can counteract any potential negative effect that caffeine may have on bone loss.

Sources of Vitamin D

Food sources

Though vitamin D is naturally found in salt water fish such as herring, salmon, sardines, and fish liver oils, our typical diet is very low in vitamin D. Since the 1930's foods such as milk, margarine, butter, cereals and chocolate mixes have been fortified with synthetic forms of the vitamin.

Fortified foods are the major dietary sources of vitamin D. Prior to the fortification of milk products in the 1930s, rickets (a bone disease seen in children) was a major public health problem in the United States. Milk in the United States is fortified with 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D per quart, and rickets is now uncommon in the US. It is interesting to note that because human milk may not contain adequate vitamin D, Vitamin D supplements are often recommended for exclusively breast-fed infants

Exposure to sunlight

Exposure to sunlight is an important source of vitamin D. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Many populations through out the world are exposed to quite suboptimal levels of sunlight, especially during the winter months.

In addition to geographical and seasonal factors, ultraviolet light from the sun may also be blocked by air pollution. The tendency to wear clothes, to live in cities where tall buildings block adequate sunlight from reaching the ground, to live indoors, to use synthetic sunscreens that block ultraviolet rays, all contribute to the inability of the skin to biosynthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D3.

Under these conditions vitamin D becomes a true vitamin, in the sense that it must be supplied in the diet on a regular basis.