Vitamin D

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D during winter months is very difficult in some areas of the world.

Our bodies manufacture vitamin D on exposure to sunshine. However, sufficient levels of sun exposure are needed to assure adequate levels. In many areas of the world such as the northern latitudes, adequate exposure to sunlight is so lacking during the winter months that our body makes no vitamin D at all. We must then rely on dietary supplements and fortified foods to boost intakes of vitamin D.

Essential Information about Vitamin D

The scientific, peer-reviewed literature is becoming quite robust with evidence suggesting vitamin D deficiency may cause or exacerbate osteopenia; osteoporosis; muscle weakness; multiple sclerosis; fractures; common cancers particularly cancers of the prostate, breast and colon; autoimmune inflammatory diseases; infectious diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. There is also some evidence that vitamin D may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer, type-1 diabetes and inflammatory disorders. Evidence also suggests Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be caused by vitamin D deficiency and it may also exacerbate depression.

The US and Canadian governments will be sponsoring a review of vitamin D and calcium that may lead to the establishment of higher recommended daily intakes. The review, which is to be conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), will involve an examination of all available science to date.

Commentary from Dr. Patrick Donovan of TheDispensaryOnline.com

Vitamin D as an Anti-Cancer Agent

We doctors in the northwest commonly find many of our patients' vitamin D (25 OH) levels below the normal range of 32.0 - 100.0 and actively replete these low levels with oral doses of vitamin D3 in the range of 1,000 IU - 5,000 IU daily and then recheck levels in 8 - 12 weeks.

Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors - D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive.

Vitamin D3 is the best absorbed and utilized form of oral vitamin D. We STRONGLY suggest vitamin D supplementation over 1,000 IU daily be done under the guidance of a licensed health care provider. We also suggest vitamin D levels be checked once or twice yearly depending on what part of the world you live in (sun exposure) and various disease conditions you may suffer from or be at risk for (osteopenia or osteoporosis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, depression, fibromyalgia).

Our Most Popular Vitamin D's - TheDispensaryOnline.com

D-1000
Contains 1,000 IU of pure vitamin D3 per capsule without hidden ingredients like lactose, BHT, BHA, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid. Supports cardiovascular, immune, and bone health.

D-10,000
For individuals needing high-dose vitamin D supplementation.

D-5000
For individuals desiring higher amounts of vitamin D supplementation without hidden ingredients like lactose, BHT, BHA, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid. Supports cardiovascular, immune, and bone health.

Liquid Vitamin D
Vitamin D in liquid for easy dosing.

There's More to Learn About Vitamin D

Vitamin D: the wonder vitamin

Vitamin D is an active hormone in the body

Reference
M.L. Nelson, J.M. Blum, B.W. Hollis, C. Rosen, S.S. Sullivan: "Supplements of 20 ug/d Cholecalciferol Optimized Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in 80% of Premenopausal Women in Winter” Journal of Nutrition. 2009, Volume 139, Pages 540-546, doi:10.3945/jn. 108.096180.