Vitamin D3 is the only vitamin our bodies can make with sun exposure by using the energy of UVB to convert 7-dehydrocholesterol into Vitamin D3. A largely held opinion is that it is technically not a vitamin but a hormone. However, the fear of skin cancer and just being in sun-starved latitudes prevents many individuals from obtaining the benefits of sunlight, and we are today a society of millions deficient in this valuable nutrient. Furthermore, as we age, we are less equipped to produce sufficient quantities of this vital nutrient.

Good dietary sources of Vitamin D are cod liver oil, sardines, and a number of other fish. However, most Americans do not eat enough fish to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D, and fortified foods like milk and cereal simply do not provide enough of this important vitamin. Therefore, Vitamin D supplementation by far seems to be the best option.

From a conservative 400 IU/day as being the required intake to prevent rickets and osteomalacia, researchers now believe that these amounts are simply not enough. A typical dose for children is now 400-1000 IU/day, and for healthy adults, amounts of 2000-5000 IU/day are more realistic. The biochemical parameter used to gauge the Vitamin D status of an individual is the blood concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], which is the circulating Vitamin D metabolite calcidiol. Healthy blood levels of this metabolite range between 50-80 ng/ml. It is estimated that one billon people worldwide have deficiency or insufficiency, and up to half of U.S. adults and 30 percent of children and teenagers have Vitamin D deficiency, which is defined as a 25(OH)D level of<20ng/ml. Of the various forms of Vitamin D available, it is important to note that Vitamin D3 is most effective in increasing the blood levels of 25(OH)D.

PERQUE D3 Cell Guard provides this safe and natural form of Vitamin D3 in a liquid form with Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) for effective uptake and absorption.* Additional protection to the D3 is provided by mixed natural tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate in a natural rosemary extract.

Vitamin D deficiency causes osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia, increasing the risk of fracture, which indicates that Vitamin D3 sufficiency is essential for maximizing bone health. Vitamin D enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Use PERQUE Bone Guard Forté 20 to obtain adequate bone support nutrition. Vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls and fractures, which can be corrected with adequate Vitamin D3 supplementation.

VITAMIN D3 AFFECTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Most organs and immune cells have a Vitamin D receptor, and some also have the capacity to metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D to the active form of Vitamin D: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is a potent immunomodulator that is responsible for the down-regulation of Th1 and up-regulation of Th2 cells. Rather than a simple downregulation of immune response, it blunts generalized over-proliferation of both lymphocytes and monocytes while sharpening the immune system’s attack on specific targets. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D also inhibits the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and irritable bowel syndrome and enhances the production and secretion of several hormones, including insulin.

VITAMIN D3 AND THE DIABETES/CARDIOVASCULAR CONNECTION

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of type 1 diabetes in children by affecting beta-cell function. Since Vitamin D deficiency also alters hormone levels including insulin, this can increase the risk of diabetes, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Glycemic control and insulin resistance are also improved when Vitamin D deficiency is corrected. Low Vitamin D levels, especially below 30 ng/ml, activate the renin-angiostensin-aldosterone system and can lead to hypertension as well as stiffening and thickening of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the risk of heart attacks is increased.

VITAMIN D3 IMPROVES COGNITIVE HEALTH AND STROKE RISK*

Short-term and smaller clinical studies have indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentration may be associated with dementia and cognitive function. Recent results from a large clinical study involving 1,766 adults aged 65 years and older show that those with normal cognitive function had higher levels of serum Vitamin D3 than those who were cognitively impaired, further strengthening the neuroprotective role of Vitamin D3. Research also indicates that Vitamin D levels can predict risk of fatal stroke, and supplementation could even prevent

stroke. Risk of stroke usually increases with age, and since very low Vitamin D levels are common in the elderly, this is an important connection.

VITAMIN D3 FOR OVERALL PROTECTION

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with obesity, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance). It has also been associated with other chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, colon and prostate health, autoimmune disorders, inflammation and repair and polycystic ovarian disease. Research about its connection with other conditions is ongoing. In essence, Vitamin D3 provides valuable and complete health support. Consider PERQUE D3 Cell Guard for your overall health protection and insurance.*