WHAT VITAMIN “D” DOES: We get our vitamin D from both sun exposure and certain foods. Vitamin D in its metabolized form is actually a hormone with many functions. It helps us absorb, transport and metabolize essential minerals, particularly: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which perform vital functions for bones and enzymes. Vitamin D works in the skin, kidneys, muscles, heart, and in 30 different cell types. Vitamin D promotes proper cell development and helps in immune regulation (thus preventing cancers).

AMERICANS AT RISK: Vitamin D levels have fallen in many populations around the world, particularly northern climates. “In northern California 80% of clients tested during winter months demonstrate vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.” (1) Vitamin D levels are worsened by avoidance of dairy products (allergies and lactose intolerance), low fat intake, excessive breast feeding, use of sun-block, and a “couch-potato” lifestyle. In addition, those with black skin are at greater risk, because their skin blocks much absorption of vitamin D and they are often lactose intolerant. As a result vitamin D deficiency diseases are on the rise again.

BONE DISEASES: "There has been a reemergence of vitamin-D deficient rickets [bowed legs] and alarming rates of low circulating concentrations of vitamin D in the US population.” [Executive Summary, NIH Conference] Low levels of D have also been associated with increased osteoporosis and fractures in the elderly.

CANCERS: Vitamin D modulates the immune system. It reduces cell proliferation, induces cancer cell death, and inhibits metastasis. Several double-blind controlled studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute have shown remarkable results with vitamin D therapy. By increasing the intake of vitamin D from the old 400 i.u. per day to 2000 i.u. per day, they were able to reduce the rates of colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer by 50%! Higher doses were used with black male patients (3000 – 4000 i.u. / day), which reduced the rate of prostate cancer by 90%! What a bargain for $10 - $15 / month!

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Vitamin D has been shown to lower blood pressure by two mechanisms. Vitamin D inhibits rennin synthesis in the kidneys; this is a substance that increases blood pressure. Vitamin D also helps absorb magnesium; magnesium deficiency is a leading cause of high blood pressure and heart disease.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: Vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. These are diseases where the immune system overreacts and attacks our own cells. Because vitamin D therapy regulates the immune system, it has been shown to improve many of these diseases. These include: Diabetes 1, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Allergies, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.