Cures rickets and osteomalasia Improves treatments for cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more!

Vitamin D3: The Wonder Vitamin!

The Importance of Vitamin D has been known for more than 75 yearsVitamin D reverses Rickets, a softening of the bones in children, and osteomalacia (Rickets in adults)Rickets has been described since the middle-ages and is the most common childhood disease in many developing countriesPredominant cause is poor diet and also lack of exposure to sunlightCod-liver oil, which contains vitamin D, has been used medicinally since the early 1800sOther cures were found in the early 1920s Malnourished children were cured with whole milkOther studies found that Rickets could be cured with long exposure to sunlight

The Importance of Vitamin D has been known for more than 75 yearsNobel prize for chemistry awarded to Adolf Windaus in 1928 for his studies on the constitution of sterols and their connection with vitamins. Other scientists, before and after, contributed to our current understanding of how Vitamin D functions in the body and relates to human health1920s, rickets was caused by seasonal variations of sunlight1930s, various foods fortified with vitamin D to prevent rickets1970s, vitamin D was found to be metabolized in the liver and kidneys and controlled calcium levels through its action in the intestines1980s, vitamin D receptors are found in many tissues and organs and interface with more than 200 genes1990s, low levels of vitamin D contribute to various illnesses and various conditions from autism and the common cold to cancer and chronic pain2000s, higher dosages may be required to prevent and treat many diseases of the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systemsFDA will be increasing their daily dosage requirements for vitamin DFinal report with recommendations will be issued in 2010

Just what is Vitamin D?By definition, a vitamin is..a substance regularly required by the body in small amounts the body cannot make on its own is required to be supplied by the daily dietVitamin D can be absorbed from some foodsHighest amounts from cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardinesLess amounts from whole milk, cheese, and eggsSome foods, such as such as milk, cereal, and orange juice, are now fortified with small amounts of vitamin D to prevent Rickets

Vitamin D is also a hormoneVitamin D can be made by the body rather being absorbed just from foodVitamin D3 form is made by the skin after exposure to sunlight.It represents 90% of the vitamin D circulating in our body!For nutritional and public health reasons, vitamin D continues to be classified as a vitamin

The three important forms of vitamin D in the bodyVitamin D3 or CholecalciferolIs made in the skin after exposure to the sun. Non-toxic: Once you have made 20,000 units, a mechanism in the skin destroys excess amounts25D or Calcidiol A prehormone made from the vitamin D3 in your bloodThis form helps the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bonesThis is the blood circulating form that is and should be measured by doctors1,25D3 or CalcitriolA steroid hormone also made from vitamin D3Manufactured in many cells, tissues and organs in the bodyThis form helps the intestine absorb more calcium and phosphorusSince this form comes from the kidneys, a 1,25D3 test does not reflect how much vitamin D3 is in other organs and should not be used to measure healthy circulating levels of vitamin D

Vitamin D3: Leads to other forms that help create healthy bones, prevent cancer, and much, much more!

Other Vitamin D termsVitamin D1Found to be a mixture of compounds rather than a vitamin D product.A term no longer usedVitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)Produced by plants and fungi when exposed to sunlight. Not produced naturally in the human body. It is similar but not identical to vitamin D3Less potent and less effective than Vitamin D3, yet is still prescribed by many doctors.Vitamin D4 and D5 Derivatives of vitamin D3

What is the role of Vitamin D?The major biological function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorousHealthy levels of Vitamin D in the blood help the body absorb calcium to maintain strong bones Rickets softening of the bones in children which can cause skeletal deformities, is due to vitamin D deficiencyOsteomalacia muscle and bone weakness in adults, is due to vitamin D deficiency

What is the role of Vitamin D?Additional research suggests that healthy levels of Vitamin D also aid in the treatment or prevention of many other diseasesOsteoperosisCancerDiabetesHypertension (high blood pressure)Several autoimmune diseasesInfluenza

Levels of Vitamin D and how it relates to Vitamin D DeficiencySource: pg 50, The Vitamin D Revolution, by Soram Khalsa, MDHay House, Inc. 2009.

Level of Vitamin DDeficiency / Sufficiency< 10 ng/mlSevere deficiency10 - 20 ng/mlDeficient20 30 ng/mlInsufficient30 ng/ml and aboveNormal40 70 ng/mlOptimal (at time of writing)Over 100 ng/mlOverdoseOver 150 ng/mlToxic

A Worldwide Problem:Children and Vitamin D deficiencyStudies conducted in Main and Mass, found over half of these groups were deficient in Vitamin D52% of African American and Hispanic teenagers48% of white pre-adolescent girlsStudies conducted in the winter throughout the US supported these findings of vitamin D deficiency42% of females aged 15-49Even in sunny parts of the world such as Indian, Turkey and Lebanon, found vitamin D deficiency30-50% of the children had deficient vitamin D levels (

A Worldwide Problem: Vitamin D DeficiencyPregnant and Nursing MothersIn a study of women giving birthdespite taking prenatal vitamins with 400 IU of vitamin D..73% of the mothers were severely deficient80% of the babies were severely deficient at birthA Canadian study found that in the second trimesterOnly 11% had adequate levels of vitamin DAnother study in New York showed that69% of paired infants and mothers were vitamin D deficientVitamin D penetrates a mothers milk in correlation with her own blood levelsTaking only 400 IU/day is not sufficient to raise the D levelsHowever, 4,000 IU/day can raise the blood levesl of their babies to > 30 ng/ml

A Worldwide Problem: Vitamin D Deficiency and ObesityVitamin D is fat-soluble and is therefore, stored in fat cellsObese individuals have more fat cells to collect the vitamin DAs a result, there is less vitamin D available to the kidneys and intestines and therefore, less calcium available to maintain strong bonesCorrelation between obesity and vitamin D deficiency-related osteomalacia [Michale Holic, MD, PhD]A study in the UK (2008) found that levels of postmenopausal women were lowest in those with the highest mass index23 ng/ml in the Fall (highest sunshine time at 57 degrees north latitude)19 ng/ml in the Spring

A worldwide problem: Vitamin D Deficiency in the ElderlyMore than half of Americans > 65 years are deficient, putting them at risk for more bone fractures50% have < 30 ng/mlAs people age, they lose muscle mass and strength.This weakening can lead to an increased risk of fallingBy age 65, 1 in 3 people fall each yearBy age 80, 1 in two people fall each year

A worldwide problem: Vitamin D Deficiency in Other DiseasesSince vitamin D is fat soluble, people who have illnesses that prevent them from absorbing could be at risk for vitamin D deficiencyCrohns diseaseCystic fibrosisThose who have undergone gastric-bypass surgeryLiver or kidney failure impairs the ability of these organs to process vitamin D

Vitamin D and CancerResearches in the US have drawn the following conclusions about cancer and insufficient levels of Vitamin D60,000 premature deaths in the US from cancer or 10% of total cancer deaths7,000 premature deaths in Canada Study in 2007 by the American J. Clinical Nutrition supports these findingsStudied 403 postmenopausal women over a period of four yearsThose taking vitamin D and calcium had a reduced risk of any kind of cancer by 77% compared to those receiving the placeboRetrospective studies ongoing further support these findingsPeople living at higher latitudes are at higher risk for developing cancerSeasonal studies show that people diagnosed with cancer (colon, breast, and prostate) in the summer or the fall had a better chance of survival than those diagnosed with cancer in the winter or spring

Vitamin D has been linked to the risk reduction of 17 different cancerSource: page 81, The Vitamin D Revolution. Soram Khalsa, MD. Hay House, Inc. 2009Holick MF. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am. J. Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar; 79(3): 362-371.

BreastUterineColonCervicalProstateGall bladderBladderLaryngealEsophagealOralGastricPancreaticOvarianNon-Hodgkins lymphomaRectalHodgkins lymphomasRenal

Vitamin D and Cardiovascular HealthHeart AttackMen deficient in vitamin D (< 15 ng/ml) were 242% more likely to have a heart attack compared to men with 30 ng/ml circulating vitamin DMen with lower levels (22 29 ng/ml) were still at a heightened risk (160%) compared to those with 30 ng/ml circulating levels of vitamin DHigh blood pressureMen and women with < 15 ng/ml were three times more likely to have diagnosis of high blood pressure compared to those with 30 ng/mlCongestive heart failureVitamin D levels 50% lower than people with healthy heartPatients with the worst cases of congestive heart failure had the lowest vitamin D levelsPeripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow in the legs)64% more common in people with low levels of vitamin D

Source: pg 99 - 103

Vitamin D and Bone Health55% of all Americans over the age of 50 have either osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia)Osteoporosis occurs as bones lose minerals and become weak, brittle, and prone to breaking33% of women between 60-70 years have osteoporosis66% of women of women over 80 have itOsteomalacia or adult rickets, is clearly associated with vitamin D deficiencyBones do not harden, resulting in softer bonesVitamin Ds primary role is to ensure that calcium is metabolized in the body and deposited in your bonesVitamin D deficiency may only allow you to absorb one half to one third of the calcium that you would absorb with healthier vitamin D levels

Vitamin D and Chronic Pain25% of Americans (75 million) suffer with chronic painThe following types of chronic pain could be associated with insufficient levels of vitamin DUnexplained muscle, joint, or bone painFibromyalgiaMyalgiaChronic fatigue syndromeVarious studies suggest that 70% of those with chronic pain have sufficient vitamin D levels < 20 ng/ml

Vitamin D and Autoimmune Diseases23.5 million Americans have autoimmune diseases75% are women80 100 diseases are autoimmune relatedAutoimmunity means that the immune system becomes faulty and attacks the body it is meant to protectThe endocrine system (Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes)Strongly associated with a vitamin D deficiency in infantsNervous system (multiple sclerosis)Strongly correlated with latitude (i.e., amount of sunlight): N Am, Europe and Southern Australia have higher rates than people in Asia, which is closer to the equatorJoints (rheumatoid arthritis)Recent studies suggest there is a correlation with vitamin D deficiency but studies are in their infancy

Vitamin D and InfluenzaStudies of flu epidemics in the early 1990s by Dr. R. Edgar Hope-Simpson, MD suggested that the affects were seasonal due to how much sunshine people receivedLack of sunshine in winter increased likelihood of contracting the fluResearch has since shown that vitamin D has a positive impact on the immune systemBoots the macrophages (bacteria-killing white cells)Enhances the bodys natural antibiotic molecules that exist in the lining of the respiratory tractHigher doses of vitamin D have shown to reduce the frequency of respiratory infections in children

Vitamin D Deficiency Levels Related to Specific Health ConditionsSource: pg 138Originally published in the Expert Opinion Pharmacotherapy journal by Dr. Cannell et al.

Health IssueVitamin D LevelsRickets and Osteomalacia15 ng/mlSuppress parathyroid hormone levels20-30 ng/mlOptimize intestinal calcium absorption34 ng/mlImprove neuromuscular performance38 ng/mlReduction of incidence of internal cancer38 ng/ml50% lower risk of colon cancer33 ng/ml50% reduction in breast-cancer incidence52 ng/ml

If we could correct worldwide vitamin D deficiency.The first thing wed see is a reduction by 80% in the incidence of type 1 diabetes, 75% reduction of all invasive cancers combined, and 25% reduction in ovarian cancer Dr. Cedric Garland, a vitamin D expertCancer Prevention and Control CenterUniversity of California, San Diego

[ref pg 69 The Vitamin D revolution]

Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a pandemic..causes rickets in children, [other bone disorders] in adults and is now associated with increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and infectious diseases. Am J Clin Nutri 2008:87(suppl):1080S-6S.

Michael Holick, MDFirst scientist to isolate the active forms of Vitamin DProfessor of Medicine, Physiology, and BiophysicsBoston University Medical Campus

The consequence of low [vitamin D] status includeincreased risk of various chronic diseases, ranging from hypertension to diabetes to cancer. Recent data indicate that Vitamin D3 is substantially more potent than D2. The safe upper intake level of vitamin D3 is 10,000 IU/day.Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 3: 1535-1541, 2008

John A. Creighton, MDOver 50 years as a leading researcher on the study of osteopersosis, vitamin D, and calcium Professor of Medicine, Department of MedicineCreighton UniversityOmaha, Nebraska

More of the Worlds Leading Authorities on Vitamin DBess Dawson-Hughes MD, Tufts University, Boston, MACedric Garland, DrPh FACE, Univ. CA San DiegoFrank Garland, PhD, Univ. CA San DiegoEdward Giovannucci, MD, Harvard School of Public HealthWilliam Grant, PhD, NASA Langeley Research Center, San Francisco, CARobert Heaney, MD, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NEMichael Holick, PhD, MD, Boston University School of MedicineBruce Hollis, PhD, Medical Univ. of South CarolinaChristel Lamberg-Allardt, PhD, Univ. Helsinki, FinlandAnthony Norman, PhD, Univ. CA RiversideReinhold Vieth, PhD, University of Toronto, Canada

Many internet sites are devoted to the importance of Vitamin D; below are just a fewwww.vitamindcouncil.orgwww.vitamindhealth.orgwww.vitamin-D.comwww.vitamindsociety.orgwww.uvfoundation.orgwww.vitamind.co.il (in Hebrew)http://vitamind.ucr.edu (Univ. CA Riverside)http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminD (Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State Univ)www.uvadvantage.org (web site of Dr. Holick, Vitamin D expert)

The Challenge: Getting enough Vitamin D3 our primary source is the sunExposure to just 30 minutes of sunlight can allow the body to generate 10,000 12,000 units of vitamin D3. [Heaney and Holick, et al)However,In the summer months, use of sun screens (to protect against skin cancer) decreases our ability to make vitamin D3In the winter months, were not outside enough to generate this amount of vitamin D3Our modern indoor lifestyle, compared to even 50 years ago, limits our exposure to sunlight and the opportunity to make more vitamin D3

The Challenge: getting enough vitamin D3 our secondary source is foodFoods naturally rich in vitamin D (cod liver oil, salmon, makarel, etc) are not commonly consumed by most of the population and even if consumed, do not contain sufficient amountsThe foods which are commonly consumed (milk, eggs), are low in vitamin D contentEven foods fortified with vitamin D such as found in milk, cereal, and orange juice, do not contain enough vitamin D to maintain healthy levels in the bloodWhile severe forms of some diseases such as Rickets and Osteomalacia can be cured with foods rich in vitamin D, less severe forms of these diseases often go undetected

The Challenge: Getting enough Vitamin D; Supplements, the third & most practical sourceVitamin D3Naturally produced by the bodyThe recommended and purist form of vitamin DConsidered safer than Vitamin D2Vitamin D2 A synthetic, not naturally produced by the body50% less potent and effective than Vitamin D3Still often prescribed by physicians

Vitamin D dosage: Addressing Short vs Long-Latency Deficiency DiseasesShort Latency Deficiency DiseasesSymptoms show rather quicklyExamples: rickets and osteomalaciaLong Latency Deficiency DiseasesSymptoms take many years to manifestExamples: Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Central Nervous System degeneration20% of breast cancer cases in Europe were a result of vitamin D deficiency [pg 69, Paper published by in 2002 by Dr. Willian B. Grant]Most national nutritional policies are oriented toward short-latency deficiencyHence, the current daily recommended dosages are ten times too low!

So how much Vitamin D3 is enough?The current FDA guidelines recommend that adults get between 400 600 IUs as their Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)This amount barely raises blood concentrations of circulating 25(OH)D (the form of vitamin D measured by doctors)This amount is also certainly deficient for those that live in the very northern or southern regions of the globe that have limited exposure to the sunUnder pressure from vitamin D specialists, nutritionists, scientists, and clinicians, the FDA plans to increase their RDITheir report with the final RDI amount will not be available until 2010

So how much Vitamin D3 is enough?Two leading vitamin D specialists, Drs. Heaney and Holick, recommend the following levels of circulating 25 OH,D:32 48 ng/ml (or 80 120 nmol/L)To obtain these levels, various Vitamin D regimens are recommended2,000 5,000 units a day indefinitely10,000 units a day for several monthsHigher dosages, of up to 50,000 units for 30 days, are recommended to target certain illnesses, such as the flu, at a specific point of their cycleMonitored by a periodic 25 OH,D blood test

Supplements: how much is really absorbed?It is well known that the body only absorbs about 10% of any supplement taken in pill form [ref]Most of the supplement is lost during digestionHowever, supplements taken in oral spray form (and thus not digested), are almost 100% absorbed through the oral tissues [ref]Therefore, the daily recommended doses for the Vitamin D supplement in these two forms are differentPill form 50,000 unitsSpray form 10,000 units

Spray form of Vitamin D3 has other benefitsHealthy levels of circulating 25, OH-D are reached more quickly with oral spray [ref]Oral spray within 5 daysPill form almost two monthsThis becomes extremely important when treatment needs are more immediate to address diseases

In Summary - Vitamin D is more than just a treatment for stronger bonesGrowing research supports that Vitamin D can protect us against many diseases:Diminishing muscle strength / weaknessOsteoperosis and OsteomalaciaAutoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosi (MS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Immunity and energy metabolismDiabetesCancer (prostate, breast, colon, etc)Gum diseasesObesityRenal failureInfertilityPregnancy eclampsia

Vitamin D has an amazing ability to ward off diseaseThe problem is, the vast majority of us are not getting nearly enough vitamin D and it is nearly impossible to get a therapeutic dose from diet and sunlight alone. Only 10% of vitamin supplements taken in pill form are absorbed by the body, where as when taken in oral spray form, are almost 100% absorbed.

J. Joseph Prendergast, MDEndocrine Metabolic Medical Center, Palo Alto, CABoard Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. Graduate of Wayne State University College of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Joes Vitamin D3 SprayAbsorbed by the body 10 times more effectively than pill form [ref]Increases blood circulating levels 8 times faster (~5 days) [ref]

Additional Info slides

How Vitamin D might affect cancerCurrent understanding is that high levels of vitamin D may enhance the following body processesApoptosis (or programmed cell death)Cancer cells lose their ability to die off when they become compromised in some way, causing them to grow uncontrollablyVitamin D makes cells that are turning cancerous die when they are suppose toCell differentiation (cells evolve into specialized cell types)Normal cells evolve and stop growing when they reach maturityCancer cells do not evolve and therefore do not stop growingVitamin D helps make cancer cells evolve and mature into the cell type they are supposed to becomeCell proliferation (cell growth and division)Genes that control cell division are affected by vitamin DIf vitamin D levels are low, ability of genes to affect cell growth are impairedSource: Lappepg 78-80

How vitamin D might affect cancerRegulating cell growthVitamin D prevents angiogenesis which is the formation of blood vesselsCancer cells create new blood vessels so the cancer can growVitamin D impacts the genes that control angiogenesis, blocking cancer cells from creating new blood vessels (so they cannot keep growing)Reduction of metastasis Metastasis is the ability of cancer cells to enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the bodoyAnimal studies indicate vitamin D may inhibit the ability of cancer cells to spread this way

How Vitamin D might affect cardiovascular diseaseThere are vitamin D receptors in the blood vesselsVitamin D may relax the blood vessels and thus reduce blood pressureVitamin D also has anti-inflammatory propertiesThis may benefit those with congestive heart failure

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