USANA Essential Tips

Vitamin D promotes the uptake of calcium from the intestines and the re-uptake of calcium from the kidneys stimulating the white blood cells to catch foreign or dangerous elements. It regulates the production and maturing of new cells in many tissues.

Lack of vitamin D is caused by poor diet, lack of sun exposure and by certain conditions that hinders the uptake of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency causes diseases that gives deformed bones, low calcium content in the bones and brittle bones, like osteoporosis in adult persons.

Too low intake of vitamin D contributes to circulatory problems like hypertension, narrowing of blood vessels, heart failure and stoke. Persons with diabetes seem to get the most increased risk by lack of vitamin D also seems to increase the risk of getting cancer, especially colo-rectal, breast and prostate cancer.

Fat fish and fish liver oil are the best natural sources of vitamin D3. Another good natural way is by exposing great skin areas for sunlight. Some food products are often fortified in vitamin D, especially milk and juice, fortified products are probably the most important supply of this vitamin for many people.

If it is difficult to get enough vitamin D by the food alone or by the amount of sun exposure. A supplement can be useful, supplements based on fish liver as a source. If the diet is low in calcium or if the purpose is to improve bone integrity, its usually be wise to take a supplement of calcium together with vitamin D.