Review finds current vitamin D recommendations insufficient to achieve healthy blood levels

July 8, 2006

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In this issue
	Life Extension Update Exclusive
		Review finds current vitamin D recommendations insufficient to achieve healthy blood levels
	Health Concern
		Periodontitis and cavities
	Featured Products
		Vitamin D Capsules
		Life Extension Toothpaste
	Life Extension
		What is the Life Extension Foundation?

Life Extension Update Exclusive

Review finds current vitamin D recommendations insufficient to achieve healthy blood levels

A review published in the July, 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which sought to determine the optimal serum levels of the major circulating form of vitamin D [25(OH)D] for several health outcomes concluded that it would be necessary to consume at least 1000 international units of vitamin D per day to elevate blood serum levels in half the adult population to 75 nanomoles per liter, the minimum level that the researchers found to be advantageous for helping to preserve normal bone mineral density and lower extremity function, and aiding in the prevention of periodontal disease, falls, fractures, and colorectal cancer. Although there is evidence for vitamin D in preventing other diseases such as multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, insulin resistance, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and cancers other than colorectal cancer, the authors did not include these diseases in the current review.

H. A. Bischoff-Ferrari of Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland, along with colleagues at Harvard and Tufts University evaluated clinical trials and meta-analyses involving vitamin D and each of the selected health outcomes. They concluded that the most desirable serum levels of vitamin D began at 75 nanomoles per liter (30 nanograms per milliliter), and optimal levels are between 90 and 100 nanomoles per liter. These levels cannot be reached by most individuals with the current recommended intakes of 200 international units per day for younger adults and 600 international units per day for older adults. To bring vitamin D concentrations in at least 50 percent of the population up to optimal levels, the authors recommend at least 1000 IU vitamin D per day, and they remark that 2000 IU per day may be a safe recommended daily allowance.

“On the basis of this review, we suggest that, for bone health in younger adults and all outcomes in older adults, including antifracture efficacy, lower-extremity strength, dental health, and colorectal cancer prevention, an increase in the current recommended intake of vitamin D may be warranted,” the authors conclude. “Given the low cost, the safety, and the demonstrated benefit of higher 25(OH)D concentrations, vitamin D supplementation should become a public health priority to combat these common and costly chronic diseases.”

Health Concern

Periodontitis and cavities

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are inflammatory diseases that affect the supporting structures that anchor the teeth in place (periodontium). Gingivitis and periodontitis are related conditions: if left untreated, gingivitis, or inflammation of the gingival tissue (gums), can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition. Gingivitis is a treatable and reversible condition, while periodontitis is an irreversible condition that can lead to tooth loss.

Vitamin C has long been known for its ability to prevent gum disease and tooth loss. In fact, the use of vitamin C in dental disease is one of the earliest recorded uses of nutrient therapy in Western medicine. In 1747, a British Naval physician named James Lind noticed that lime juice, which is rich in vitamin C, helped prevent scurvy, which causes tooth loss. As a result, British sailors bottled lime juice for gum disease prevention. Incidentally, this practice later gave rise to the term “Limey.”

Researchers have also examined the value of vitamin D and calcium, which are typically used to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Supplementation with these two nutrients reduces the rate of bone and tooth loss in postmenopausal women and men. Calcium intake of 800 mg or more per day reduced the risk of periodontitis in females (Nishida M et al 2000).

https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/dental/periodontitis_cavities_01.htm

Featured Products

Vitamin D 1000 IU Capsules

A dietary deficiency of vitamin D inhibits the production of the protein that binds calcium in the intestines, so that calcium cannot be absorbed, even if there is adequate intake. Deficiencies of vitamin D are often found in the elderly and in women who have low intake of milk and receive inadequate exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is potent in minute quantities; one microgram of cholecalciferol has 40 IU of vitamin D activity.

https://www.lifeextension.com/newshop/items/item00251.html

Life Extension Toothpaste

Maintaining a pretty smile should not be the only motivation for keeping gums healthy. It is a vital part of a proactive health maintenance regimen.

Life Extension has developed a toothpaste with active ingredients coenzyme Q10, xylitol, folic acid, tea tree oil, lactoferrin, and squalene to promote healthy teeth and gums. Hydrogen peroxide has also been added because of its ability to reach bacteria hiding among gingival folds and gaps. Its frothing action exposes anaerobic-type bacteria that thrive in an airtight environment to oxygen-rich air contained in its bubbles. Hydrogen peroxide has been used effectively for years in dentistry.

https://www.lifeextension.com/newshop/items/item00705.html

Life Extension

What is the Life Extension Foundation?

The Life Extension Foundation is a non-profit group that funds pioneering scientific research aimed at achieving an indefinitely extended healthy human lifespan. The fruits of this research are used to develop novel disease prevention and treatment protocols.

Foundation members take advantage of proven therapies to address disease and slow premature aging today. The scientific literature contains thousands of studies on the use of nutrients, hormones, and other therapies to improve the quality of life. Life extension members use this information, in conjunction with their physicians and other health care advisors, to improve their chances of living longer in good health.

https://www.lifeextension.com/about/about-life-extension

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