Viridian
Vitamin D3 1000iu Veg Caps - 30

Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth, muscle function and immune function. Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus. The classic vitamin D deficiency disease is rickets. Yet as fear of sun exposure has grown and lifestyles have become more sedentary, exposure to the sun has dropped dramatically and vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of rickets has surged. The skin cannot create vitamin D if covered in sunscreen or clothing, it is thought that a sun cream with SPF15 will reduce the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D by more than 95%.

Many older people and those from the Asian community who tend to wear more modest clothing are among the population groups most likely to suffer deficiency in vitamin D. Dietary sources include fortified foods, eggs, and fatty fish. Most commonly available Vitamin D3 supplements are derived from the lanolin in sheep’s wool. However, Viridian Nutrition vitamin D3 is vegan, derived from lichen.

Potential applications: Osteoporosis, osteomalacia (bone softening), muscle weakness/wasting, cellular support, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and periodontal disease.

Hyperparathyroidism due to low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn’s Disease and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin.

Vitamin D deficiency results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Rickets, characterised by an inability to calcify the bone matrix, results in softening of the skull bones, bowing of the legs, spinal curvature, and increased joint size. Vitamin D deficiency is now most often seen in elderly people who do not get any sunlight, particularly those in nursing homes.

Known contraindications: People with hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D without consulting a physician.

Interactions: Vitamin D should be used with caution in patients taking digoxin, because hypercalcemia (which may result with excess vitamin D use) may precipitate abnormal heart rhythms.

Concurrent administration of thiazide diuretics and vitamin D to hypo-parathyroid patients may cause hypercalcemia, which may be transient or may require discontinuation of vitamin D. Stimulant laxatives can reduce dietary vitamin D absorption. Use of corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis and calcium depletion with long-term administration. This calcium depletion creates a greater need for both supplemental calcium and vitamin D (which is necessary for calcium absorption).

Useful links: Osteoporosis: Calcium, magnesium and boron powder, Organic Golden Flaxseed Oil, Synbiotic Daily (improves calcium metabolism).