Vitamin D3
Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease
I recently stumbled across an article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in December of 2008 that has had little or no press when it comes to risk factors and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The article is titled “Vitamin D Deficiency: An Important, Common, and Easily Treatable Cardiovascular Risk Factor?
The article states that, “A growing body of data suggests that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may adversely affect cardiovascular health.” This is a big deal when you consider that approximately 30% to 50% of the general population is deficient in Vitamin D.
According to the article, “Vitamin D deficiency activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and can predispose to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency causes an increase in parathyroid hormone, which increases insulin resistance and is associated with diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk.” The article goes on to state, “Epidemiologic studies have associated low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with coronary risk factors and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.” Like most mainstream medical publication, the article concludes that “Large randomized controlled trials are needed to firmly establish the relevance of vitamin D status to cardiovascular health.
In the meantime, considering that Vitamin D supplementation is simple, safe, and inexpensive, it makes sense for anyone with a family history of cardiovascular disease or with other multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease to have their Vitamin D status check and supplement when necessary. Bio-D-Mulsion (400 IU per drop) and Bio-D-Mulsion Forte (2000 IU per drop) from Biotics Research are two highly bioavailable, inexpensive and simple to dose sources of Vitamin D3.
Reference: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52(24):1949-1956. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2008.08.050 http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1188049#Abstract
Dennis McInerney, BS
Dennis McInerney has been the Southeast operations manager for Biotics Research Corporation since 1996. He is a graduate of Moravian College with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry. He has over 45 years of experience in the health care field. His in-depth knowledge of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and how it pertains to nutritional supplementation has earned the respect as a highly regarded speaker and metabolic consultant by health care professionals of all disciplines. His experience includes several years as a research pharmacologist as well as a metabolic consultant. In 1998, Dennis founded the Health Resource Center, an educational company, dedicated to helping health care professionals understand and reverse the detrimental effects of the modern diet. Through seminars and workshops, the Health Resource Center provides functional nutritional information and the clinical tools necessary to successfully guide patients on a path to nutritional wellness.
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Immune Boosting Components as an Arsenal to Protect Against Cold & Flu
Specific nutrients aimed at supporting immune disturbances are important components of the nutritional arsenal, specifically with regard to the cold and flu season. A healthy immune system contributes significantly to the prevention of seasonal illnesses. The following components have been noted to be beneficial on the immune response, and to aide in supporting a healthy immune system.
The immune-enhancing properties of Larch arabinogalactans (IAG™) suggest that it possesses an array of clinical applications due to its ability to assemble a more responsive immune system. Arabinogalactan has a positive impact on the immune system, and has been demonstrated to stimulate the proliferation of macrophages, and to enhance the cytotoxicity of Natural Killer (NK) cells. Therapeutically, it is typically used in conditions associated with lowered immune function, decreased NK activity, or chronic viral infections. Its use has also been demonstrated to enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells, confirming its beneficial attribute in immune support. Each teaspoon of IAG™ supplies approximately two grams of Arabinogalactans. Because it is a powdered formulation, it is easily administered to both adults and children.
The complete vitamin D system exerts a cumulative effect on the immune response, and immune responses are exceedingly dependent upon an adequate vitamin D status. Vitamin D’s specific response has been correlated to an enhancement of innate immunity, coupled with multifaceted regulation of adaptive immunity. Additionally, the seasonality of the influenza epidemic has been correlated with low vitamin D status. Bio-D-Mulsion Forte® supplies 2,000IUs of emulsified Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol), in an easily dosed liquid form.
The beneficial attributes of thymus glandular (Cytozyme-THY™) is well documented for immune support. Intake results in both a lowered frequency, and a shortened time of infection, as well as in a diminished severity of recurrences. In addition to thymus glandular, trachea tissue (Cytozyme-Trachea™) is also recognized as a powerful immune modulator. It functions to both stimulate the immune system, and to repress it, in instances of an overactive immune response. Both its immuno-stimulatory response to viruses and its antigen presenting capacity (APC) are recognized, making it a powerful immuno-supporting product.
Other immune supporting options include Vitamin C (Bio-C Plus™, Bio-C Plus 1000™, Mixed Ascorbate Powder™) and Bio-Immunozyme Forte™, a comprehensive broad spectrum immune support product.
Rachel Olivier is a Physician Advisor for Biotics Research Corporation, a position she has held for nine years. She holds a Masters degree in Molecular Biology from University of Louisiana, along with a traditional Naturopathic Degree from Honolulu University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Nutrition and Biology from California University.
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