Vitamin D

It is common knowledge that vitamin D plays an important role in helping the body to absorb calcium and in bone mineralisation. However, accumulating scientific evidence is proving that vitamin D provides more health benefits than simply bone health.

Evidence is emerging that there is widespread vitamin D deficiency in the broader population. Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin after exposure to sunlight, and is also obtained through the diet; however, it is only present in a limited number of foods.

Vitamin D deficiencies can occur when exposure to sunlight is limited or as the body ages and the ability to produce vitamin D is impaired. Vitamin D deficiency during bone development and growth causes rickets among children. In adults, vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

A simple blood test is all that is required to determine your levels, which you should check annually.

Vitamin D for Strong Bones

Numerous scientific studies have shown that calcium plus vitamin D supplementation promotes the growth and maintenance of strong, mineral-rich bones. Vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended as a standard preventative measure in osteoporosis management.

Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, supports efficient calcium absorption and is necessary for normal bone mineralisation. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Vitamin D and Healthy Muscle Function

Vitamin D deficiency appears to be a risk factor for poor muscle strength and coordination, particularly in the elderly.

Several clinical trials and meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate vitamin D supplementation, with and without added calcium. Most studies demonstrated significant benefits particularly at the higher vitamin D doses. Improvement in muscle strength was among the improvements being measured. This may involve a link between muscle calcium status and function, and a link between vitamin D and calcium and neuromuscular performance.

Vitamin D for Immune Function

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the biologically active form of vitamin D3, not only regulates bone and calcium metabolism but also exerts other biological activities, including immunomodulation.

By binding to its receptor, the vitamin D receptor 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates the expression of various genes and consequently affects the behaviour of different cell types within the immune system.

Adequate vitamin D intake is important in maintaining the balance in immune health.

Why Vitamin D?

Diet is a secondary source of vitamin D in that most foods contain only small amounts of this nutrient. It is estimated that average intake of vitamin D for most Australians is less than 100 IU per day from diet alone, leaving a gap in vitamin D nutrition for those with insufficient sun exposure.

USANA’s Vitamin D is formulated with maximum strength to help you bridge the vitamin D deficiency gap in your dietary consumption. It is a maximum strength supplement created to combat vitamin D deficiency. It provides you with 1000 IU per tablet to support optimal intake of vitamin D.

• Helps to maintain healthy bones.
• Supports efficient calcium absorption.
• Necessary for normal bone mineralisation.
• Important for the maintenance of muscle strength.
• Supports robust and healthy immune function.
• Vegetarian safe.

Directions: Adults take one (1) tablet daily, preferably with meals.

Each tablet contains:

• Vitamin D3 (1000 IU: cholecalciferol) 25 mcg.