Boosting Vitamin D levels the easy way

Research has shown that even in sunny countries like New Zealand up to 50 percent of children and adults have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D[1],[2],[3] - an all-important key to strong, healthy bones and muscles.

New Zealand produces few natural foods with high levels of Vitamin D and not everyone can get sufficient sun exposure to get their daily dose, so health experts recommend supplements for a wide range of people to help raise their Vitamin D levels.[4],[5]

And now there’s an easy way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D in New Zealand. New Clinicians Sunshine Vitamin D3 contains a unique combination of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2.

“Research has shown that combining these two vitamins enhances bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content statistically better than when either vitamin is taken alone[6],”says Clinicians technical consultant and registered pharmacist, Debora-Dale Young.

These vitamins have also demonstrated a complimentary role in supporting heart and bone health.

Clinicians Sunshine Vitamin D3 may help support insulin release through D3 receptors found in the pancreas[7]. The supplement may also support immunity and the ability of white blood cells to identify and attack pathogenic substances in the body.[8]

The Ministry of Health has recommended Vitamin D supplements for people who completely avoid sun exposure; are frail or housebound; have very dark skin; have liver or kidney disease; take medications that affect Vitamin D levels; live in Southern regions of New Zealand and don’t get regular midday sun exposure between May and August; and for exclusively breastfed infants and mothers with any of the above risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency.

In adults, severe Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, bone discomfort and softening of the bone resulting in fractures and breaks. Nonspecific weakness as well as muscle discomfort can occur when Vitamin D levels are low which is sometimes misdiagnosed as other conditions causing discomfort and fatigue. Vitamin D inadequacy may also affect blood pressure, blood sugar balance and cellular health.2,7

Vitamin D has important immune functions and more recently it has been discovered that Vitamin D can help balance our body’s natural immunity (known as innate immunity).

Supplements with Vitamin D have been shown to support the production of special antimicrobial peptides which in turn help protect against ills and chills and general health.

Low levels of Vitamin D3 can affect respiratory health in children. Adults taking Vitamin D3 supplements for skeletal health have also reported a reduction in the symptoms of ills and chills.10

Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet.  Always read the label and use as directed.  Do not exceed the recommended dose. If symptoms persist, see your health professional.  RRP is $12.95 for 60 tablets of Clinicians Sunshine Vitamin D3.

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[1]Lips P. Worldwide status of vitamin D nutrition.J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. Jul;121(1-2):297-300.
[2]Rockell JE, Green TJ, Skeaff CM, et al. Season and ethnicity are determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in New Zealand children aged 5-14 y. J Nutr. Nov 2005;135(11):2602-2608.
[3]McGrath JJ, Kimlin MG, Saha S, Eyles DW, Parisi AV. Vitamin D insufficiency in south-east Queensland. Med J Aust. Feb 5 2001;174(3):150-151.
[4]Houghton LA, Szymlek-Gay EA, Gray AR, Ferguson EL, Deng X, Heath AL. Predictors of vitamin D status and its association with parathyroid hormone in young New Zealand children. Am J ClinNutr.Jul;92(1):69-76.
[5]Rockell JE, Skeaff CM, Venn BJ, Williams SM, Green TJ. Vitamin D insufficiency in New Zealanders during the winter is associated with higher parathyroid hormone concentrations: implications for bone health? N Z Med J. Nov 28 2008;121(1286):75-84.
[6]Ushiroyama T, Ikeda A, Ueki M. Effect of continuous combined therapy with vitamin K(2) and vitamin D(3) on bone mineral density and coagulofibrinolysis function in postmenopausal women. Maturitas.Mar 25 2002;41(3):211-221.
[7]Kaneki M, Hodges SJ, Hosoi T, et al. Japanese fermented soybean food as the major determinant of the large geographic difference in circulating levels of vitamin K2: possible implications for hip-fracture risk. Nutrition.Apr 2001;17(4):315-321.
[8]Bartley J. Vitamin D, innate immunity and upper respiratory tract infection. J Laryngol Otol. May;124(5):465-469.