Keeping Up Your Vitamin D Levels BY DR. ARIANNA CARUGHI SAB MEMBER, NUTRITIONAL SCIENTIST
One of the most important things we can do these days gens and boosts the defenses of the membranes that is keep up our vitamin D status (or levels in our blood). line body cavities and passages like those of the respiComing out of winter and with “shelter-in-place” and ratory tract. “stay-at-home” orders we should redouble our efforts to Large population studies show that low blood levels of obtain vitamin D in our diet. Why? Because studies show vitamin D are linked to higher levels of both viral and that optimal levels of this vitamin appear to protect and bacterial infection. The effect is stronger in individuals improve the time course of difficult-to-treat viral respira- with chronic pulmonary disease or asthma. Studies also tory tract infections such as influenza. show that higher vitamin D status is associated with betVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be manufac- ter outcome and time course of the infection. tured in our skin upon exposure to sunlight. Some foods Looking at the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementalike oily fish, eggs and fortified dairy products contain tion, three large reviews consistently show its benefits vitamin D but it is difficult to achieve sufficient intake by for preventing respiratory tract infection, particularly in
diet alone. Famously known for its role in building and children. Daily smaller doses of 400 to 1000 IU (or 10 maintaining strong bones and in calcium absorption, we to 25 mcg) appear to be more effective than single large now know that vitamin D has many other effects in our doses. Those individuals that were most vitamin D defibody, particularly on the immune, nervous and cardio- cient experienced the greatest benefit. Levels from 1000 vascular systems.
to 2000 IU (or 25 mcg to 50 mcg) are known to be safe
Vitamin D plays an important immuno-regulatory role in and beneficial but individuals should not go higher than the immune system as it enhances innate immunity and this unless medically advised to do so, because large the protective immune responses to respiratory patho- doses actually suppress T-cell function.
Vitamin D in NeoLife Products (per serving): Pro Vitality 400 IU (10 mcg)
Pro Vitality contains 4 essential products that provide nutritional support: Omega-III Salmon Oil Plus, Tre-en-en Grain Concentrates, Carotenoid Complex, and Essential Vitamin and Mineral Complex.
Formula IV 400 IU (10 mcg)
Broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals including all natural vitamins A & D, complete B-complex vitamins, vitamin C plus acerola cherry bioflavonoids and complete vitamin E family, with Tre-en-en® Grain Concentrates to enhance cellular absorption.*
Chelated Cal-Mag 400 IU (10 mcg) & 1,000 IU (25 mcg)
NeoLife Chelated Cal-Mag offers both calcium and magnesium to help support various functions related to bone health and muscle contraction.* Cal-Mag offers calcium glycinate, magnesium, and vitamin D3 to enhance digestion, absorption, and utilization of the calcium delivered.*
NeoLifeShake 140 IU (3.5 mcg)
Our great-tasting shake, available in 3 delicious flavors (Creamy Vanilla, Rich Chocolate and Berries n’ Cream) is a convenient and well-balanced source of protein, fats, carbohydrates and contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals.
References: 1. Bergman P, Lindh ÅU, Björkhem-Bergman L, Lindh JD. Vitamin D and respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2013;8(6). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0065835 2. Gruber-Bzura BM. Vitamin D and influenza—Prevention or therapy? Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(8):2419. doi:10.3390/ ijms19082419 3. Aponte R, Palacios C. Vitamin D for prevention of respiratory tract infections. World Health Organization. http://www. who.int/elena/titles/commentary/vitamind_pneumonia_children/en/. Accessed April 6, 2020. 4. Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 2017;356. doi:10.1136/bmj.i6583
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.