Vitamin D, Calcium and Osteoporosis Prevention

Vitamin D is essential to the absorption of calcium. Without sufficient levels of vit-D a resulting calcium deficiency may cause bones to become brittle, thin or misshapen, due to insufficient mineralization of calcium. In the case of a nutrient deficiency dietary supplementation is often recommended.

Recent studies concluded that older adults produce less vit D from sunlight due to the reduced ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin, lack of adequate sun exposure, and overuse of sunscreen during their lifetime. Especially older people in northern climites, that get less sunshine during the day, in winter.

Because there are very few foods that contain enough vitamin D to satisfy the Recommended Daily Value (RDV) the US-Food and Drug Administration has allowed certain foods to be fortified with vit-D. Foods that are allowed to be fortified with vit-D include cereal flours and related products, milk and products made from milk, and calcium fortified fruit juices and drinks including soy based products.

The best known food source for high levels of vit-D is cod liver oil at 340% of the recommended daily value (RDV) in 1 tablespoon. Three ounces of tuna fish contains 50% RDV of vit-D, and 8oz. of fortified milk contains 25% RDV of vit-D. Other foods containing vit-D include soy products, kale, salmon, almonds and broccoli. Due to the insignificant levels of vit-D in most foods additional supplementation with fortified foods, may be used to reach recommended daily values.*

Foods that have insignificant values or are not fortified with vitamin D are not required by the US-FDA to display the amount of vit-D on the nutrition label. The FDA developed the RDV of vit-D for adults to be 400 IU/day. However most nutrition labels display the RDV in terms of percent (instead of international units).

A significant amount of a nutrient per serving is considered to be 20% RDV or more. Herbalife products display nutrient content information on the nutriton labels. Several Herbalife products include significant sources of Vitamin D and Calcium per serving, including these nutritional products:

Vitamin D and Calcium intake are equally important to healthy bones and teeth and the prevention of osteoporosis. Especially in pre and post menopausal women and older men. Getting significant amounts of these nutrients can also contribute to muscle growth, a regular heartbeat and a stable nervous system.

Herbal nutrition solution to help prevent osteoporosis:
Add 1-2 nutrient rich protein drink mixes per day, supplemented with (3) F2 Multivitamin complex and (3) Xtra-Cal per day to a regular diet.

Select Formula 1 nutritional shake mix to get an all around nutrition supplement. Select Bulk and Muscle to dramatically increase nutrient delivery for muscle building. Select Instant Healthy Meal for quick meals. Select Protein Drink Mix for a delightful energy boost.

Hope this helps

Tim Koen

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