Vitamin D (tabs)

Why is Vitamin D important?

There are an estimated 1 billion people worldwide that are deficient in vitamin D.1 Vitamin D deficiency is a problem that affects all races and age groups, regardless of how much sun they receive. Vitamin D helps your body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are important for healthy bones. Maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels is essential for bone, heart, and immune health. Emerging research suggests it may support blood sugar levels already in the normal range.

How can I get Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods and since it is so important for fighting disease it is often fortified in cereal and dairy products. The body synthesizes vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin, through a process that involves exposure to sunlight, but the widespread use of sunscreen impedes this process and the skin cannot produce adequate amounts vitamin D. Vitamin D is found naturally in fatty fish and eggs, but in most people, taking a vitamin D supplement is usually recommended. There is ongoing research as to the correct amount of vitamin D to include in a daily multivitamin. The 400 IU in most multivitamins is now considered too low, with recent studies and statements from the Institute of Medicine and the Endocrine Society suggesting taking about 1000 IU of vitamin D daily.

How is Vitamin D related to heart disease?

There are several studies that suggest that Vitamin D is associated with good cardiovascular health.2-3 The heart muscle, blood vessels and circulatory system are full of vitamin D receptors and that is why it is important to maintain normal levels of Vitamin D as we age. However, because we do not get enough sun, the best way to avoid Vitamin D deficiency is to supplement.

Are all Vitamin D supplements the same?

There are two different forms of vitamin D often found in multivitamins, D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol). Research shows that vitamin D in the form of D3 (cholecalciferol) is more effective than D2 (ergocalciferol) when taken as an oral supplement.6

Is there a Vitamin D supplement that doctors recommend for kidney health?

ProRenal® is a doctor formulated and recommended multivitamin specially designed for supporting kidney and heart health. ProRenal incorporates the appropriate amounts of selective multivitamins and 1000 IU of vitamin D3 based on a review of the most recent clinical guidelines. ProRenal multivitamins have “Everything you need, Nothing you don’t” for supporting kidney health.

 

References

  1. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. 2007; 357:266-81.
  2. Pilz S, Marz W, Wellnitz B, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008; 93:3927-35.
  3. Wang TJ, Pencina MJ, Booth SL, et al. Circulation. 2008; 117:503-11.
  4. Pilz S, Tomaschitz A, Marz W, et al. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2011 Nov;75(5):575-84.
  5. Sanders KM, Stuart AL, Williamson EJ; et al. JAMA. 2010;303:1815-1822.
  6. 6. Houghton, LA. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Oct; 84(4):694-7