Category Archives: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is most commonly associated with assisting with the maintenance of strong bones and teeth, helping support the functions of the immune system and contributing toward normal muscle functions.

Recent research has highlighted the importance of Vitamin D for general health. Those at particular risk of deficiency are children aged 6 months to 5 years old, the elderley (aged 60+), pregnant women and those that rarely get outdoors (lack of sunshine).

Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form of this nutrient and far preferable to Vitamin D2 to supplement with. There is ongoing debate on what levels of Vitamin D to supplement with – recent studies suggest higher levels than the current UK RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are optimally beneficial.

In the News – Health and Nutrition Research

In this week’s article we provide our usual monthly roundup of some of the most recent health and nutrition related articles to be in the news, five items comprising:

  • Vitamin D3 supplements shown to significantly improve autism symptoms
  • Imaging technique measures toxicity of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s proteins
  • Early life nutrition builds brain resilience to extreme stress
  • Weight gain driven by gut bacteria’s ‘memory’ of obesity, says study
  • Scientists study link between unhealthy pregnancy diet and ADHD

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Vitamin D – New government guidelines

‘Vitamin D supplements advised for everyone’, ran the BBC headline back in July, citing the government backed research now recommending that everyone should be getting at least 10 micrograms of the nutrient every single day.

However, as we have frequently referred to in previous blogs, it may not be achievable to get 10 micrograms of vitamin D from your diet alone, which is why supplementation of ‘the sunshine vitamin’ is now advised for everyone.

In this week’s blog we provide a timely recap on why vitamin D is so important for our health and how best to source it, in light of the new government guidelines.

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Nutrient Support for Cardiovascular Health

Due to medical advancements, death rates from heart disease are falling. Nevertheless, it was reported in 2014 that cardiovascular disease accounted for 27% of all deaths in the United Kingdom, which was only 2% less than cancer. However, the WHO (World Health Organisation) have estimated that more than ‘80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable’, with a healthy diet and other lifestyle factors being central to this.

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Support your immune system this Winter: Important Nutrients to Note

As the mornings gradually become colder and darker, the realisation that winter is lurking around the corner sets in. And if that isn’t enough to dampen the spirits, the NHS have reported that winter leaves you around “80% more likely to get a cold” – although if you are sitting there with the sniffles right now, you are probably already fully aware of that fact!

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In the News – Health and Nutrition Research

In this week’s article we provide a review of recent health related stories that made the news with five items comprising:

  • “An exciting finding: Are the brain health benefits of B vitamins dependent on Omega  3 levels?”
  • “Vitamin D shows promise for treating Crohn’s Disease”
  • “Penn Research points to Omega 3 as a nutritional intervention for Childhood  Behavioural Problems”
  • “World entering era of global food insecurity with malnutrition and obesity side by side within countries, says leading food expert”
  • “High fat diet changes gut microbe populations and brain’s ability to recognize fullness”

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New permitted claims

New approved claims for Zinc, Vitamin D, Calcium and Selenium

This week’s article gives an overview of the latest permitted claims authorised by the European Commission and two claims that are currently pending authorisation, including; Calcium and Vitamin D contribute to a reduction in the risk of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and thus a reduction in the risk of bone fracture; vitamin D contributes to a reduction in the risk of falling (further information for this claim on a recent Cytoplan blog – please follow the link); Zinc contributes to normal growth and finally, Selenium contributes to the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage.

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