Vitamin D

A survey, conducted by Statistics Canada, found that two-thirds of the
population has vitamin D levels below the amounts research is associating
with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, while one in 10, or
more than three million people, have such low readings that they don't
have enough for good bone health.

Generally speaking, the sun's where most people should be able to get
their vitamin D requirements met. For many folks, consistent, year-round
sun exposure isn't possible because they live in areas where vitamin D
synthesis can't occur for four to six months out of the year. Not forgetting
to mention that SPF 8+ sunscreens can reduce vitamin D production by 95%.
Add cold temps, cloud cover and other factors and it causes us to look for
vitamin D from dietary sources or supplementation.

As vitamin D deficiency has become more prevalent in people living above
the 35th parallel, therefore all Canadians!, the attention and focus paid to
vitamin D have increased, and for good reason.

Let's take a closer look at what the research is saying:

• IMMUNE SUPPORT. Vitamin D is a powerful immune system supporter and
  inhibits negative autoimmune responses by modulating cell responses.
  When vitamin D is in short supply, cells can attack the body instead of
  fighting off unwanted invaders.

• CELL PROLIFERATION AND DIFFERENTIATION. When certain cells divide
   rapidly or proliferate, the impact on your health can be devastating.
   Cell differentiation,however, can decrease unwanted proliferations.
   Vitamin D inhibits unwanted proliferation and stimulates healthy cell
   differentiation. Lung, skin, colon, bone and breast sites have been
   studied for vitamin D's positive effects on cell differentiation and
   proliferation, causing them to act as normal, mature cells.

• BRAIN HEALTH. Scientists at the Children's Hospital & Research Center
   Oakland in Oakland, California, say the brain has a wide distribution of
   vitamin D receptors wherein vitamin D directly and positively affects
   learning, memory, motor control and attention. Vitamin D protects
   and maintains healthy brain cells, while a deficiency can result in
   brain dysfunction.

• CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH. Vitamin D may play a role in cardiovascular
   health since low blood levels of vitamin D can increase coronary artery
   calcification. Vitamin D deficiencies can also elevate risk of stroke and
   congestive heart failure, while optimal vitamin D levels support normal
   levels of inflammation-important for cardiovascular health.

How much vitamin D should we get? Canadian Current recommendations
say kids from birth to their teen years and adults aged 51 to 70 should get
at least 400IU daily, while those 71 and up should get at least 600IU daily.

But emerging research, however, says we could require much more-to the
tune of 2,000IU or more daily.
  
Vitamin D  is The hottest Nutrient under the sun !

For Optimum Health and prevention of many important Health issues,
Most Canadian should consider a Vitamin D SUPPLEMENT  (at least from
October to March)! So that means you should be starting your supplementation
soon!


:)
marina