Tag: vitamin d
Vitamin D supplementation improves insulin sensitivity
Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are commonly found in many populations worldwide. The effects of inadequate vitamin D status may be seen in many physiological systems in the body, including the ability to properly control blood glucose. Risk factors for vitamin D inadequacy include reduced sunlight exposure, darker skin color, low vitamin D intake and obesity. KEEP READING >>
Vitamin D2 or vitamin D3: Which is best?
Given the apparent important need to rely on vitamin D-fortified foods or vitamin D supplements to maintain optimal vitamin D status, the question of which form of vitamin D to use has attracted the attention of nutritional researchers. There are two options available for vitamin D fortification: a fungal-derived compound called ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or an animal-derived compound called cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). KEEP READING >>
Calcium and vitamin D fortification benefit to weight loss diets: Reduces abdominal visceral fat
A recent publication has reported on the effects of calcium and vitamin D fortification of orange juice on weight loss and visceral fat stores in a group of overweight and obese adults (average age ~40 years) who were put on a weight reduction diet for 16 weeks. The findings of the study are noteworthy because they suggest that increased calcium and vitamin D intake in people undergoing a moderate weight loss diet may have beneficial effects by enhancing the loss of intra-abdominal fat. KEEP READING >>
Could your next product address vitamin D deficiency in women?
Some health conditions are more prevalent in women after menopause. These include diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. A recent study out of Spain reports that women may be at elevated risk when they are deficient in vitamin D. According to the data, women, on average, get less than 40 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D. KEEP READING >>
Vitamin D supplementation improves glucose metabolism in pre-diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by poor control of glucose metabolism (glucose intolerance), leading to increased risk of heart disease and chronic renal failure. Poor vitamin D status may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes because cross-sectional epidemiologic studies have found that low vitamin D status is associated with increased risk of glucose intolerance or diabetes. Also, longitudinal studies have shown that poorer vitamin D status is associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. However, there is no strong evidence from randomized clinical trials that vitamin D supplementation affects glucose homeostasis. Recently, U.S. investigators reported on a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU/day) on glucose and insulin function in adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. KEEP READING >>
Beverage Industry magazine taps Fortitech for bone health feature
The current issue of Beverage Industry contains an article on bone health by Managing Editor Jennifer Zegler. For its May R&D feature – “Bone health fortifications defy age barriers” – the magazine consulted Fortitech’s Chief Scientific Officer Ram Chaudhari who contributed information about the market for bone and joint products along with research about the combined effect of calcium and vitamin D. As quoted in the article, Chaudhari, who is also Fortitech’s senior executive vice president, says food and beverages fortified with nutrients for bone health have appeal not only to women and older adults but also to a market segment that now includes more men and younger adults. He cites research that says even children may have vitamin D deficiencies. Chaudhari recommends that products fortified with calcium also include vitamin D for another reason: the vitamin works in concert with the calcium to improve its benefit to bone health. We encourage you to check out the Beverage Industry article, and if you are interested in learning more about nutrients or premixes for bone health products, we have several resources: Earlier this month, here at Fortitalk, we published a post about calcium fortification, specifically how it relates to bone health … KEEP READING >>
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” was first isolated in 1930 and named calciferol. Today, the two major forms of this fat-soluble vitamin are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), found in plant sources, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is formed in the body by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays on the skin. It is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood by promoting their absorption from food in the intestines, and by promoting re-absorption of calcium in the kidneys. KEEP READING >>
Low Vitamin D Associated with Increased Risk of Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women, with hypertension being one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have indicated that low vitamin D status, measured as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, is associated with blood pressure and the risk of hypertension. KEEP READING >>
Vitamin D Helps to Keep the Arteries Pliable
Vitamin D is well known as the “sunshine vitamin” because people can make it in their skin in response to sunlight. However, surprisingly, vitamin D deficiencies are found even in sunny climates, a likely expression of our modern indoor lifestyle and increased concern among many about the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. KEEP READING >>
New Recommendations for Vitamin D Intake Stir Controversy
Recently, the Institute of Medicine, an independent nonprofit scientific body, conducted a data review resulting in its recommendation for vitamin D intake at 600 international units per day. We asked Dr. Holick, a renowned expert on the nutrient, to share his thoughts on this development with Fortitalk. KEEP READING >>