Today we are pleased to bring you an article written by AdvoCare SciMed Board member and former Senior V.P. of 
Research and Development, Dr. Sid Stohs.
The Many Benefits of Vitamin D
Numerous research studies in recent years have shown important relationships between vitamin D deficiencies and many health problems and diseases in humans. The production of rickets in children and osteomalacia(softening of the bone) in adults by a vitamin D deficiency has been known for almost 90 years.
However, vitamin D does far more than promote healthy bones and teeth. A deficiency of this fat soluble vitamin has now been shown to be associated with increased incidences of heart attacks, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, periodontal disease, fractures, impaired cognitive functions, and many forms of cancer.
Over 50 % of people in the United States are believed to be vitamin D deficient, and this number increases during the winter months. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the outer layer of the skin(epidermis) upon exposure to sunlight(UVB). Production is dependent upon season, geographic latitude, cloud cover, time of day, use of sun screen agents, and smog.
A recent study showed that individuals with low vitamin D levels were over 2.4 times as likely to have heart attacks. Another large study demonstrated a 26 % increase in all-cause mortality in conjunction with low vitamin D status.
In addition to a lack of adequate sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency may be due to inadequate intake in the diet, disorders that limit intestinal absorption, impaired conversion to its active forms in the body, or hereditary disorders.
Exceedingly few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D. In addition to the vitamin D produced in the skin, vitamin D is derived from fungal and algal plant sources. The richest natural source is fish liver oils as cod liver oil where it is concentrated by fish feeding on vitamin D producing algae. Other dietary sources include whole eggs, beef liver, and vitamin D fortified milk.
Dietary supplements provide the most consistent source of vitamin D. Several AdvoCare products are excellent sources of vitamin D. CorePlex and CorePlex with Iron contain 600 IU vitamin D per serving(three caplets) while Calcium Plus contains 400 IU vitamin D per eight caplets. The eight caplets of Calcium Plus not only contain a significant amount of vitamin D, but also provide the daily requirement for calcium, magnesium and several other minerals in highly absorbable forms.
In addition, CorePlex Chewable tablets contain 400 IU vitamin D per serving, while V-16 energy Drink, Meal Replacement Bar and Chocolate Nougat Snack bar each contain 200 IU per serving.
Vitamin D status can be estimated by measuring plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, a metabolite of vitamin D produced primarily in the liver. Current research indicates that a daily intake of at least 800-1000 IU (20-25 micrograms) of vitamin D per day is needed to maintain plasma and tissue levels in the optimal range and thus alleviate many of the deficiency-associated conditions described above.
The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends 2000 IU daily for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has recently established a committee to recommend the daily amount of vitamin D most appropriate based on age, gender and other considerations. The large body of new and exciting research on vitamin D will form the basis for these recommendations. Recent studies indicate that the upper limit of safety for vitamin D is approximately 10,000 IU for adults.
In summary, a very high percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a large number of adverse health conditions and disease states including an increased risk of dying. Dietary supplements constitute the most consistent and reliable source of vitamin D, and AdvoCare’s CorePlex and Calcium Plus are outstanding products which help meet daily needs not only of vitamin D but also a host of other essential vitamins and minerals.
Sid Stohs, Ph. D.
Scientific And Medical Advisory Board
