High level of Vitamin D Supplementation (2000 IU) may be necessary to protect unsupplemented breastfed infants from vitamin D deficiency

October 28, 2015 - The Weekly Essentials of Health courtesy of USANA Health Sciences

High level of Vitamin D Supplementation (2000 IU) may be necessary to protect unsupplemented breastfed infants from vitamin D deficiency 

At a Glance

A new study shows that when mothers supplement with 2000 IU/day of vitamin D nearly all (98%) unsupplemented breastfed infants are protected against vitamin D deficiency, whereas only about half have sufficient levels if the mother is only taking 400 IU/day (RDA – 600 IU). 

Read more about this research below. 

Vitamin D supplementation is recommended during pregnancy. But after birth, the ability to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in breastfed infants is more difficult, so vitamin D supplementation is generally recommended for breastfed infants.

In a new study published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers sought to determine the effect of three different doses of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant serum vitamin D levels when taken during pregnancy and continuing for 8 weeks after birth. 

The study included 226 normally healthy pregnant women who were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D dosages of 400 IU, 1000 IU, and 2000 IU per day from the second trimester until 8 weeks postpartum. The infants were not given vitamin D supplementation. Blood was collected for analysis at 8 weeks after birth.

The average serum vitamin D level in infants whose mothers took 2000 IU/day was higher (75 mmol/L or 30 ng/ml) than in 1000 IU/day group (52 mmol/L or 20.8 ng/ml) and the 400 IU/day group (45 mmol/L or 18 ng/ml). Only 2% of the infants born to mothers supplemented with 2000 IU were considered deficient (<30 mmol/L or 12 ng/ml) compared to 16% and 43% in the 1000 IU and 400 IU group respectively. Less than 15% of the infants in the 1000 IU and 400 IU group reached a vitamin D level over 75 mmol/L (30 ng/ml) compared to 44% born to the group supplemented with 2000 IU/day. The mothers supplemented with 2000 IU/day had an average vitamin D level of 88 mmol/L (35.2 ng/ml) at 8 weeks postpartum, while the mothers taking 1000 IU and 400 IU had lower average levels at 78 mmol/L (31.2 ng/ml) and 69 mmol/L (27.6 ng/ml) respectively. 

The results of this study indicate that supplementation with 2000 IU/day is required beginning in gestation and during the first 8 weeks of breastfeeding to protect 98% of unsupplemented infants against vitamin D deficiency. Nearly half of unsupplemented infants of mothers taking 400 IU/day were vitamin D deficient after 8 weeks of breastfeeding. 

Kaitlin M March et al. Maternal vitamin D3 supplementation at 50 μg/d protects against low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in infants at 8 wk of age: a randomized controlled trial of 3 doses of vitamin D beginning in gestation and continued in lactation. First published July 8, 2015, doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.106385.

Weekly Essentials of Health Vitamin D supplementation decreases lean muscle loss and improves strength in menopausal women

Vitamin D supplementation decreases lean muscle loss and improves strength in menopausal women (Courtesy of Usana Health Sciences) 

At a Glance

A new study indicates that supplementation of vitamin D3 alone in postmenopausal women is protective against muscle loss and improves measurements of muscle strength. 

Read more about this research below. 

There is evidence that adequate vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of falls, loss of muscle strength and muscle loss in the elderly. A new study published in Osteoporosis International investigated the potential benefits of vitamin D on muscle function and health in younger postmenopausal women.

The participants in this trial included 160 Brazilian postmenopausal women who were randomized into one of two groups: treatment group receiving a vitamin D supplement providing 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, or a placebo group. The researchers measured lean mass by DXA and muscle strength by handgrip strength and chair raising test. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the 9 month trial.  

After 9 months, the average vitamin D blood levels nearly doubled in the supplemented group (15.0 ng/ml to 27.5 ng/ml, or 37.5 mmol/l to 68.75 mmol/l) and fell slightly in the placebo group. In the supplemented group, there was a significant increase (25.3%) in muscle strength in the lower body assessed by the chair raising test. There was a substantial 6.8% loss of lean muscle mass in the women receiving the placebo over the trial period. 

The results of this study show that vitamin D3 supplementation in younger postmenopausal women with low vitamin D levels provides significant benefit for retention of lean muscle mass and significantly increases muscle strength.

Cangussu LM1, Nahas-Neto J, Orsatti CL, Bueloni-Dias FN, Nahas EA Effect of vitamin D supplementation alone on muscle function in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Osteoporos Int. 2015 May 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Higher blood Vitamin D levels may be related to a lower risk of depression

April 15, 2015 Higher blood Vitamin D levels may be related to a lower risk of depression  At a Glance A new study in a large population of Finnish adults shows that higher serum vitamin D levels are related to a reduced risk of depressive disorders, especially in those with poorer health to begin with.  Read more about this research below.  Previous research has suggested that vitamin D may be helpful in protecting against depression, but the evidence is still somewhat inconclusive. In a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers investigated the potential relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders. The study population consisted of a representative sample of Finnish adults between the ages of 30 and 79 years of age that participated in the Health 2000 survey. Of the 5,371 individuals in the study group, 354 were diagnosed with depressive disorders and 222 individuals were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.  Serum Vitamin D concentrations were determined from frozen samples taken previously. A total of 4 indicators of depression and a single indicator of anxiety were studied as variables.  Individuals with a higher serum Vitamin D concentration showed a reduced risk of depression. After adjustments for socioeconomic, lifestyle, and metabolic factors, individuals in the highest 25% of vitamin D levels had a 35% lower risk for depression when compared to individuals with vitamin D levels in the lowest 25%. Higher Vitamin D levels had the greatest impact against depression in younger men with unhealthy lifestyles, who were divorced, or who suffered from metabolic syndrome. Based on statistical analysis, it was noted that raising the vitamin D levels above 50 nmol/L (20 ng/ml) could have avoided about 19% of the depression cases in the study. Vitamin D serum levels did not correlate significantly with anxiety disorders.   The results of this study support the theory that higher serum vitamin D concentrations may be protective against depressive disorders, especially in individuals with poor socio-economic status, diet and lifestyle choices, and metabolic health. Tuija Jääskeläinen et al.. Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are related to a reduced risk of depression. British Journal of Nutrition, available on CJO2015. doi:10.1017/S0007114515000689.

Suboptimal vitamin D status during childhood may increase cardiovascular risk in adulthood

Not to outlive their parents? When we talk about this generaion being the first one in American history not expected to outlive their parents this is getting down to one of the specifics about what this means. Please read and share! - Ekayani

March 18, 2015 - Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences

Suboptimal vitamin D status during childhood may increase cardiovascular risk in adulthood

 At a Glance

A new study shows an association between low 25-OH vitamin D levels in childhood and increased occurrence of atherosclerosis in adulthood.

 Read more about this research below. 

 

Many previous studies have shown an association between inadequate vitamin D levels in adulthood and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. One of the major risk factors for heart disease is atherosclerosis, or thickening and narrowing of the arteries.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers investigated a potential link between childhood vitamin D deficiency and increased artery thickness and atherosclerosis in adulthood.
The study included 2,148 subjects aged 3-18 years from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, which began in 1980. Ultrasound studies of the left carotid artery were conducted in 2007, when the participants were then aged 30-45. Stored serum vitamin D samples taken at the beginning of the study were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 2010.
After adjusting for age, sex, and childhood risk factors, and independent of cardiovascular risk factors such as serum lipids, hypertension, smoking, diet, physical activity, BMI, and socioeconomic status, decreased levels of vitamin D in childhood were associated with a greater carotid artery thickness. Children with 25-OH vitamin D levels in the lowest 25% (
The results could possibly be explained by the fact that the biologically active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, plays a role in vascular proliferation and growth while inhibiting calcification. The authors also suggest that since vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system, it may help reduce infections early in life that could contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
These findings suggest that insufficient vitamin D levels during childhood should be considered a possible risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease, and add support to the recommendation to supplement vitamin D during childhood.
Juonala M et al. Childhood 25-OH Vitamin D Levels and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb 10:jc20143944. [Epub ahead of print]

Taking your vitamin D3 supplement with a meal containing fat increases absorption

Greetings Everyone I personally don't endorse eating beef liver as I see the cow as mother and the bull as father according to the Vedic version but the point here is that some kind of fat be it yoghurt, avocado, nuts - is needed to better utilize Vitamin D3. Now that I have spoken my peace please read this important information courtesy of Usana Health Sciences.(They make the same point in the end of the article). - Ekayani Taking your vitamin D3 supplement with a meal containing fat increases absorption At a Glance Taking your vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) containing supplements with a meal providing some fat may significantly enhance vitamin D absorption by up to 32% compared to a non-fat meal. Read more about this research below.    Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that is found naturally in very few foods (oily fish, egg yolk, and beef liver), fortified in others, and produced in the skin from exposure to sunlight. Skin exposed to sunshine indoors through a window, on cloudy days, in shade, having a tan or dark-colored skin, and using sunscreen can significantly decrease the amount of vitamin D the skin makes. And recent studies have shown that sunshine levels in some northern latitudes are so weak during the winter months that humans make little to no vitamin D. Despite food fortification, the data suggests that many people do not get enough vitamin D from diets alone. Vitamin D supplements may help bridge the gap. Because vitamin D is fat soluble, it seems logical that vitamin D supplements should be taken with a meal containing some fat. However vitamin D absorption differences based on dietary composition has been poorly understood. A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sought to test the hypothesis that absorption of vitamin D3 improves when taken with a meal containing fat compared to a fat-free meal. In this study researchers recruited fifty healthy older men and women to complete this one day study and randomly assigned them to one of three meal groups: the first group consumed a fat-free meal; and the second and third groups consumed a meal with 30% of calories from fat but each provided a different ratio of MUFA’s (monounsaturated fatty acids) to PUFA’s (polyunsaturated fatty acids). After completing a 12-hour fast, all subjects took a single 50,000 IU vitamin D3 supplement with their test breakfast. Plasma vitamin D3 levels were collected and measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry before the meal and 10, 12, and 14 hours after consuming the meal and supplement.  The results showed that the maximum vitamin D3 plasma level (12-hour time-point) was 32% higher in subjects consuming the fat-containing meals compared with the fat-free meal. Absorption did not differ significantly at any time point between the high and low MUFA and PUFA groups. This study provides a better understanding of the importance of some type of fat in a meal to optimize the absorption of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from supplements; however the type of fat consumed is not significant for absorption. Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Lichtenstein AH, Dolnikowski G, Palermo NJ, Rasmussen H. Dietary Fat Increases Vitamin D3 Absorption. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014 Nov 17. pii: S2212-2672(14)01468-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2014.09.014. [Epub ahead of print]

Inadequate vitamin D levels are related to cognitive decline in the elderly

November 26, 2014 From the Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences

Inadequate vitamin D levels are related to cognitive decline in the elderly 

 At a Glance
A new study has confirmed previous research indicating a possible association between low vitamin D blood levels and an increased risk of cognitive decline in the elderly.   

Read more about this research below.

 

In addition to its role in bone health, vitamin D also plays a role in mental health by protecting the brain in several ways: reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension (diseases that affect the brain), providing antioxidant mechanisms, regulating calcium levels, supporting the immune system, enhancing nerve conduction, and by its role in detoxification. Many previous studies have concluded that inadequate vitamin D blood levels may be linked to a higher risk of cognitive impairment.  

A recent study published in the journal Neurologytested the hypothesis that low vitamin D blood levels are associated with risk of cognitive decline.  

The Italian population-based study included 1,927 elderly subjects. Serum vitamin D levels were measured at baseline, and cognitive function was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A MMSE score lower than 24 indicated cognitive dysfunction. Over a period of a 4.4 year follow-up, a decline of 3 or more points on the MMSE was considered clinically significant.  

Compared to subjects with sufficient vitamin D levels (>30 ng/ml or 75 nmol/L), the subjects with vitamin D deficiency (

The results of this study confirm an independent association between vitamin D levels and mental decline in elderly adults. Although there is considerable variation from person to person, and testing prior to supplementation is generally recommended, most people need to take between 1,000 and 5,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 to achieve levels adequate to protect against cognitive decline.

Elena D. Toffanello et al. Vitamin D deficiency predicts cognitive decline in older men and women. Neurology. 2014 Nov 5. pii: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001080. [Epub ahead of print]

Higher vitamin D levels increase survival rate in postoperative adults with colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a huge problem for North American men so ladies here is some encouraging news to help increase the chances of you man sticking around longer. Thanks to Usana Health Sciences Inc for this weekly update on The Essentials of Health.
Higher vitamin D levels increase survival rate in postoperative adults with colorectal cancer

August 06, 2014    Higher vitamin D levels increase survival rate in postoperative adults with colorectal cancer At a Glance A new research article published online suggests that having a higher plasma level of vitamin D is associated with a better chance of surviving colorectal cancer. Read more about this research below.   Low vitamin D levels are known to be associated with poor health outcomes or increased risk in many diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.    In a new study published in the Journal of Oncology, researchers investigated whether the plasma level of vitamin D after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) has a significant impact on survival outcome.  The Scottish research team analyzed data from 1,598 adults who had undergone surgery for stage I-III colorectal cancer.  Blood samples were taken after surgery and evaluated for vitamin D and for a specific Vitamin D gene receptor. When compared to the patients with the lowest one-third of vitamin D levels, the patients whose vitamin D levels were in the top one-third of subjects had a significantly lower (32%) risk of dying of CRC and a 30% lower risk of dying from any cause during the 5 year follow-up period.  In patients with stage II CRC, those in the top one-third of vitamin D levels experienced a 56% reduction in mortality.  The researchers found interactions between vitamin D levels and specific type of vitamin D gene receptor, indicating a causal relationship between vitamin D and survival.   This study shows that in patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer, higher post-surgery vitamin D levels are associated with a better outcome and a lower risk of mortality.  Since this was an observational study, carefully designed clinical trials are still needed to confirm whether vitamin D supplementation would provide survival benefits for patients with colorectal cancer.  Zgaga L Plasma Vitamin D Concentration Influences Survival Outcome After a Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer.  J Clin Oncol. 2014 Jul 7. pii: JCO.2013.54.5947. [Epub ahead of print]

Low Vitamin D Status and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

   Low vitamin D status and the risk of type 2 diabetes

At a GlanceAdults with a lower vitamin D intake or low vitamin D blood levels may have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Read more about this research below.

 Type 2 diabetes has become a significant worldwide health care challenge, as it is associated with various health problems and increased mortality risk. There is increasing evidence that vitamin D influences many non-skeletal medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, certain autoimmune diseases and type 2 diabetes. Observational research has shown that seasonal variation in blood sugar control in the winter may be partly due to vitamin D, since vitamin D levels are generally much lower in the winter.  

In a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examined the association between vitamin D status and the incidence of Type 2 diabetes. After a thorough review of the literature, 8 observational studies and 11 randomly controlled trials were included in the review.  When compared to those with a vitamin D intake of <200 IU/day, intake of >500 IU/day decreased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 13%. Compared to those with the lowest serum vitamin D levels (<14 ng/ml or 35 mmol/L), adults with the highest vitamin D status (>25 ng/ml or 62.5 mmol/L) had a 43% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  In two trials that included patients with glucose intolerance, vitamin D supplementation improved measures of insulin resistance. No significant effect of vitamin D on glycemic outcomes was evident in the trials that included subjects with normal glucose tolerance at baseline.

The results of this review show that vitamin D may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, although high-quality studies are still needed to determine a potential mechanism between vitamin D concentration and relevant glycemic outcomes.  

J Mitri, M D Muraru and A G Pittas. Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) 65, 1005–1015. 

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Vitamin D Are You Getting Enough? The Myth of Summer in the Big City

Vitamin D is the "sunshine vitamin" Are you getting enough?

Vitamin D is really a hormone that assists your immune systems optimal functioning.Manufactured by your body when the sun hits your skin cancers, depression, influenza, absorption of the trace minerals magnesium and calcium for strong bones, the formation of healthy babies, the lowering of hypertension in black Americans and the increased speed of recovery post workout are just some of the many benefits proven by science. Although getting enough sunshine may have fallen in the realm of lifestyle in the past, currently 70% of the US population is deficient including infants. It seems important with the summer months coming on to note that summer does not guarantee you will be getting enough D. Why? This has to do with lifestyle and for most who are chained to an office job that means spending 8 hours and upward daily indoors and away from the sunshine. If you live in a big city like New York, sunshine is something you appreciate looking at from inside your office. Though fortunate to be in a city that gets more sun than many on the globe, spending time in the sun remains a fantasy for most. The average workers day in the Big Apple looks like this;

Your D as in Deficient Day

1. Get up in the dark before sunrise to get ready for work.
2. Walk to subway or train for ten minutes before you enter the dark subway for an hour commute.

3. Emerge from subway and get 2 minutes of sunshine at the coffee vendor on the street before you head up to work. You are wearing long sleeves or bundled up so there's no chance of getting any sun though maybe on your face.

4. Work in closed office (where there may or may not be windows) under fluorescent lights all day. Sit in front of computer screen.

5. After work off you go to a dark bar or restaurant to relax over drinks with friends or head back home for an hour or longer commute. When you get home it's dark. And that ladies and gentleman was you exposure to the sunshine on a daily basis for most of the year.

Be Deliberate and Supplement

With the scare tactics used to keep the majority out of the sun while slathering sunblock that prevents your body from producing this hormone naturally it's no wonder we are as a population suffering from a lack of D. A moderate amount of sunshine to the tune of 30 minutes daily is good for you. Supplementation all year round for those who are not making a concerted effort to get outside or cannot get outside due to lifestyle constraints on a daily basis is recommended. According to new ground breaking studies by Usana Health Sciences 2000 IU per day are preferable to the old 400 IU per day previously considered adequate. Hear Dr. Brian Dixon and Tyler Barker, Phd of TOSH weigh in on some new findings about Vitamin D here