Optimal Vitamin D Linked To Lower Heart Disease Death

Vitamin D has always been known for its vital role in supporting calcium and bone metabolism. However, in the past decade, a plethora of research completed on Vitamin D has revealed that 1:

• Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are found in almost every human cell, indicating that it plays a role in almost every vital function of the body.
• Among the general population, Vitamin D insufficiency is very common.
• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This association is very critical since CVD’s are the leading cause of death in the United States.

The association between Vitamin D and CVD’s was first discovered in 1983 by Dr. Robert Simpson when he found VDR’s in the heart of a rat. Mounting evidence from research over the last three decades suggests that Vitamin D may decrease the risk of CVDs. More recently, the May 2012 issue of Diabetes Care published a study conducted in Europe which is said to be the first to show a link between an optimal intake of Vitamin D intake and significant reduction in the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in those with metabolic syndrome.2-3
Optimal levels of vitamin D are defined as having blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin of at least 75 nmol/L. Results from the study showed that optimal levels were associated with a 66 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality against those with severe Vitamin D deficiency. Optimal vitamin D levels were also associated with a 75 percent reduction risk of so-called all-cause mortality.

Growing Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders such as obesity, hypertension, disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism. Together, these disorders raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors for metabolic syndrome may include aging, hereditary factors, hormone changes and lack of exercise.
A study conducted by the North Dakota State University in Fargo found that “34 percent of U.S. adults in government health surveys conducted between 1999 and 2006 had metabolic syndrome -- up from 29 percent in similar surveys done between 1988 and 1994.” Researchers estimate that 68 million American adults suffered from metabolic syndrome between 1999 and 2006. It is expected that this number will continue to climb at an alarming rate with prevalence of metabolic syndrome being seen in younger Americans, as well. Currently, metabolic syndrome affects 32 percent of the adult population in the United States.4

Vitamin D Supplements for a Wide Array of Health Benefits
The findings from the study conducted in Europe suggest that those with metabolic syndrome may have less risk of dying from heart disease if they have an optimal intake of Vitamin D. While further tests are needed to evaluate the effects of Vitamin D supplementation, supplement business owners can start encouraging their consumers to take the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D relative to their age group.

Research shows that Vitamin D health benefits go distinctly beyond bone health. The array of Vitamin D health benefits include: 5

• Prevention of fall and neuromuscular function
• Improved immunity
• Improved Insulin Response and gastrointestinal health

Recent surveys also indicate that the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the United States and Europe is growing steadily due to a number of factors such as the use of sunscreen lotions, not enough exposure to the sun and poor diets.

Choosing the Right Nutraceutical Manufacturer for Vitamin D Supplements
Consider adding Vitamin D supplements to your product line while enthusiastic interest continues to draw consumer attention to Vitamin D supplements!
Look for a vitamin manufacturer that creates its Vitamin D supplements in a GMP certified facility to ensure the product you are receiving is of the highest quality. While many supplement manufacturers offer free nutraceutical quotes in 48 hours, consider the reputation and experience of the manufacturer before you make your decision. If you want to be sure you’re making the right choice, go with a contract manufacturer who has an award-winning history for providing high quality supplement manufacturing services. With expert formulations and convenient in-house manufacturing solutions, you’ll get a product that will sufficiently meet your customers’ health needs.

Resources:

1. Vitamin D, cardiovascular disease and mortality,Clinical Endocrinology Nov 2011, natap.org/2011/HIV/100611_01.htm
2. Ibid.
3. Vitamin D Levels Predict All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Subjects With the Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes Care May 2012 vol. 35 no. 5 1158-1164. diabetesjournals.org/content/35/5/1158
4. Metabolic syndrome continues to climb in the U.S., October 15, 2010, Amy Norton, Reuters. reuters.com/article/2010/10/15/us-metabolic-syndrome-idUSTRE69E5FL20101015
5. Vitamin D: Health Unlimited, March 18, 2010, Frost & Sullivan. frost.com/prod/servlet/market-insight-top.pag?docid=196049778