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Solgar Vitamin D3

Good food sources of vitamin D include mackerel, salmon, herring, butter, egg yolks, and dark green leafy vegetables. Ergosterol a plant sterol found in fungi is the biological precursor to Vitamin D. Ergosterol is converted into viosterol by ultraviolet light, and is then converted into ergocalciferol.
Since our bodies can produce vitamin D by the action of sunlight on the skin, many experts consider it more of a hormone than a vitamin. Nonetheless, by current definitions, vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone.

OSTEOPOROSIS

– The major biological function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis. Vitamin D levels have also been found to be low in magnesium deficient osteoporosis sufferers – this may be because magnesium is required for an enzyme that converts vitamin D into its most active form (1,25-(OH)2D3).

IMMUNE FUNCTION

- A recent study found an association between a mother’s intake of vitamin D during pregnancy and reduced risk of type-1 diabetes, caused by an autoimmune reaction, in her offspring. Scientists have also reported that women who take vitamin D within multivitamins are 40 per cent less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than women who do not take supplements.

CELLULAR PROTECTION

- Vitamin D and calcium are metabolically interrelated and highly correlated dietary factors. Experimental studies have shown their anti-carcinogenic effects due to their participation in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in normal and malignant breast cells. There is strong evidence from several different lines of investigation supporting the hypothesis that vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

MUSCULAR PAIN

– High-dose vitamin D supplementation corrects the vitamin D deficiency that is common in patients with musculo-skeletal pain, provides an important anti-inflammatory benefit, and alleviates muscle pain. A two year placebo controlled study involving 48 institutionalised elderly patients, taking vitamin 1000iu D2 (ergocalciferol) daily, resulted in increases in the relative number and size of type II muscle fibres and improved muscle strength in the vitamin D-treated group.

ANTI-DEPRESSANT

– Vitamin D supplementation has resulted in lessening the severity of depression and enhancing mood, sociability, and overall sense of wellbeing. Vitamin D rapidly increases the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme for the catecholamine biosynthesis) by threefold. Summer sunlight increases brain serotonin levels twice as much as winter sunlight, a finding compatible with both bright light in the visible spectrum and vitamin D affecting mood. Vitamin D is widely involved in brain function with nuclear receptors for vitamin D localized in neurons and glial cells. The reported biological effects of vitamin D in the nervous system include the biosynthesis of neurotrophic factors, inhibition of the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase and increased glutathione levels, suggesting a role for the hormone in brain detoxification pathways.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is prevalent when vitamin D stores are typically low. Research reveals that vitamin D may be an important treatment for SAD.

Dosage range
1 capsule 25ug (1000iu) daily or as recommended by a practitioner.
Although the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin D is 200iu per day for adults, there is some evidence that elderly people need 800 to 1,000iu per day for maximum effects on preserving bone density and preventing fractures. Sun-deprived people should take no less than 600iu per day and ideally around 1,000iu per day.
Up to 50,000iu of vitamin D2 are administered monthly in clinical conditions.
Some researchers believe that amounts up to 10,000iu per day are safe for the average healthy adult, although adverse effects may occur even at lower levels among people with hypersensitivity to vitamin D (e.g. hyperparathyroidism). In fact, of all published cases of vitamin D toxicity for which a vitamin D amount is known, only one occurred at a level of intake under 40,000iu per day.

Calls to increase vitamin D intake have been growing. Indeed, only recently fifteen experts from universities, research institutes, and university hospitals around the world called for international agencies to "reassess as a matter of high priority" dietary recommendations for vitamin D because current advice is outdated and puts the public at risk of deficiency.
Some research reveals that vitamin D2 and D3 are equipotent although some suggest that D2 may have a potency of one third to one half the potency of D3. If this is the case 1000iu of D2 would approximately equate to a typical D3 dose of 400iu. But, of course, D2 has the advantage of being suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Potential applications
Osteoporosis, osteomalacia (bone softening), muscle weakness/wasting, cellular support, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and periodontal disease. Hyperparathyroidism due to low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn’s Disease and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin.
Vitamin D deficiency results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Rickets, characterised by an inability to calcify the bone matrix, results in softening of the skull bones, bowing of the legs, spinal curvature, and increased joint size. Vitamin D deficiency is now most often seen in elderly people who do not get any sunlight, particularly those in nursing homes.

Known contraindications
People with hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D without consulting a physician.

Interactions
Vitamin D should be used with caution in patients taking digoxin, because hypercalcemia (which may result with excess vitamin D use) may precipitate abnormal heart rhythms.
Concurrent administration of thiazide diuretics and vitamin D to hypoparathyroid patients may cause hypercalcemia, which may be transient or may require discontinuation of vitamin D.

Stimulant laxatives can reduce dietary vitamin D absorption.
Use of corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis and calcium depletion with long-term administration. This calcium depletion creates a greater need for both supplemental calcium and vitamin D (which is necessary for calcium absorption).

Pregnancy and lactation
Not for use during pregnancy and lactation unless specifically recommended by a physician.

Useful links
Osteoporosis: Calcium, magnesium and boron powder, organic flax seed oil, tri-blend acidophilus (improves calcium metabolism).

References
Sato Y, Iwamoto J, Kanoko T, Satoh K. Low-dose vitamin D prevents muscular atrophy and reduces falls and hip fractures in women after stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2005;20(3):187-92. Epub 2005 Jul 27.
Saab G, Young DO, Gincherman Y, Giles K, Norwood K, Coyne DW. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the safety and effectiveness of monthly ergocalciferol in hemodialysis patients. Nephron Clin Pract. 2007;105(3):c132-8. Epub 2007 Jan 16
Thacher TD, Fischer PR, Isichei CO, Pettifor JM. Early response to vitamin D2 in children with calcium deficiency rickets. J Pediatr. 2006 Dec;149(6):840-4.
Gloth FM 3rd, Alam W, Hollis B. Vitamin D vs broad spectrum phototherapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. J Nutr Health Aging. 1999;3(1):5-7.
Michael T. Murray, N.D. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. USA. 1996.
Solgar's Philosophy - Wellness!

A Philosophy that we at Boots Herbal Stores have lived by since we started our own business in 1939!

"If you've ever found yourself checking the fat content on a carton of yogurt or if you've ever left the car in the garage and taken your bike instead, then you're familiar with Wellness: Solgar's founding philosophy.
People everywhere are embracing the Wellness lifestyle. They're realizing that the inside of their bodies is just as important as the outside. That physical appearance is only one part of the total picture of health.

But what's become a trend in the past few years isn't a new idea at all. Solgar, as well as millions of our customers, have been practicing Wellness before the concept was even invented. Solgar have known all along the importance of exercising in moderation, eating a balanced diet, taking vitamin supplements and having an all-around healthy outlook.

Since Solgar was founded in 1947, they've been committed to Wellness. This also means a commitment to quality, innovation and integrity. For three generations, they've been one of the few supplement companies that actually conducts its own research, manufacturing and distribution. We think our commitment to health shows in our products and is appreciated by health-conscious consumers around the world.

Every vitamin Solgar make is a quality statement

At Solgar, quality has always been their guiding principle. From ingredients to manufacturing to packaging, quality is what we're most known for, and it's made us a true leader in the nutritional supplement industry.

We produce their products according to the strictest standards - standards that, in many cases, are much more stringent than the government requires.

We insist that their products pass uncompromising quality control tests. For example, Formula VM-75, the leading multivitamin in their industry, must pass over a hundred tests before it meets their approval.

To ensure that we start with the best possible raw materials, we use the rigorous "square root" method to sample their natural ingredients - a stringent pharmaceutical technique that's rarely used in the vitamin industry.

To ensure maximum potency, we weigh their products to standards more than twice as stringent as the government requires.

For the highest possible purity, we prepare their products in isolated rooms instead of the common practice of manufacturing in one open space.

Even their packaging is of the highest possible quality. We use recyclable amber-glass bottles to maintain the potency of their nutrients. We don't use plastic bottles or Styrofoam cushioning, so their packaging is better for the environment, too.

And since high-quality nutritional supplements shouldn't cause allergic reactions, we strive to eliminate as many allergens from their formulas as possible. Almost all Solgar products are free from sugar, salt, starch, yeast, corn, soy, wheat, gluten and dairy products and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.

Their commitment to Wellness doesn't end when the vitamins meet the bottles. We distribute their products with equal attention to quality and detail. For example, by manufacturing their own supplements, we can control their inventories and ensure that their products are always fresh. Plus, we're one of the few companies to operate its own network of distribution centers in five locations around the world. This way we can guarantee prompt delivery to their retailers, most often in just 48 hours.

You'll find Solgar Gold Label vitamins only where fine health products are sold. So our customers receive not only the best products, but also the best information about them.

These are just a few examples of our commitment to Wellness and to making the best nutritional supplements Solgar can. And these are just a few reasons why, to millions of health-conscious consumers around the world, the Solgar Gold Label symbolizes quality.

Our own research: A rewarding experience for all.

To produce truly effective nutritional supplements, you need access to the most advanced nutritional information available. That means doing your own research, and that's why in 1978 Solgar founded the Solgar Nutritional Research Center (SNRC).
The SNRC is the industry's first facility for biochemical research. It has become a respected scientific institution, which has contributed to such important research topics as the role of nutrition in diabetes and cancer, and the isolation of unidentified food factors. The center's work on selenium contributed to the recognition of that element as an essential part of the RDA adopted in 1989. The SNRC was also instrumental in bringing Vitamin E research on heart disease to the attention of the scientific community. In 1992, two studies by Harvard researchers supported the findings of the SNRC.

Almost two decades later, we're still one of the few supplement companies that conducts its own research. Our staff can proudly take credit for the introduction of many of today's most important nutritional supplements to the natural foods industry. They include Natural Beta Carotene, VM-75, MaxEPA, Calcium Citrate, Earth Source, Gentle Iron, and our Advanced Antioxidant Formula (and that's just part of a much longer list).

Recently the vitamin industry has benefited from another Solgar breakthrough: Vegicaps, the first capsules made entirely from all-vegetable sources. This exciting invention is important for vegetarians, as well as anyone who wants to eliminate animal products from their diet.

Your future is our future.

Solgar watched the world's interest in health, nutrition and Wellness grow dramatically in the past few years. It's an exciting time for us, and for the thousands of health food retailers and customers around the country. Together, it's our chance to educate everyone about the benefits of Solgar Vitamins and healthy living. Solgar are leading the Wellness movement, bringing the finest high-quality, natural supplements to people all over the world.
You can trust the Solgar Gold Label will remain a symbol for premium products. Solgar will continue to support our current customers and look forward to making a whole new generation healthier."