Vitamin D is already known for providing a variety of health benefits and, adding to the list, a new study shows that vitamin D may help muscle recovery. Researchers from the Orthopedic Specialty Hospital have found that vitamin D can help with faster muscle recovery after intense exercise and may even prevent muscle damage caused by the exercise.

Published in the journal, Nutrients, Vitamin D and Human Health, this particular study concluded that higher vitamin D levels aids in muscle recovery. “We wanted to study the relationship between vitamin levels and recovery following intense exercise and we found that those who had higher vitamin D levels had a faster rate recovery from muscle damage.” said researcher Tyler Barker, PhD, lead author of the study.

Participants performed intense exercise with one leg while the other leg acted as a control. Then, their strength was tested at day one, two, three and seven, following the initial intense exercise by pushing against a special force plate. By assessing the amount of strength the leg has with the force plate, researchers could assess the initial muscle damage and then the recovery time and concluded that those with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood were able to regain their strength back quicker.

Researchers also concluded that vitamin D may protect against muscular weakness caused by muscle damage as vitamin D helps regulate different things like calcium and protein synthesis within the muscle that ultimately help a muscle move.

 Leave a Comment

	Jarrow Formulas – Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 5000 IU – 100 Softgels
	Garden of Life – Vitamin Code Raw D3 5000 IU – 60 Capsules
	Jarrow Formulas – Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 2500 IU – 100 Softgels
	Source Naturals – Vitamin D-3 2000 IU – 200 Capsules

Lucky Vitamin continues to expand the selection of premium supplements to our customers. DaVinci Laboratories is the latest addition, offering a family of products containing only the purest and most potent ingredients.

DaVinci Laboratories has been a leader in nutritional research, product development and innovation for over 40 years. Located in the state of Vermont, this family-owned and managed company believes that the dedication to higher integrity and insistence on superior quality are a reflection of Vermont’s values. DaVinci Labs continues to set new standards for quality and product innovation in order to keep you as healthy and as informed as possible. Raw materials used in DaVinci products are as natural as possible and are guaranteed to contain no artificial flavorings, preservatives, colors, sweeteners or other foreign agents unless otherwise stated on the labels. Each lot of tablets or capsules is carefully assayed to be sure they meet product specifications.

DaVinci Labs’ research focuses on the complex relationships that exist among nutrients and the latest advancements in nutrition therapies to develop and produce some of the most significant products available to Holistic Practitioners. The company’s extensive research into the exciting properties of N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) has been unparalleled and, consequently, awarded four patents for DMG’s beneficial effect in the areas of immune response and cell support. DaVinci Laboratories supports research studies at important institutions including University of Southern California Medical School in Los Angeles, CA, San Diego State University, CA, University of Vermont, among others.

Additionally, you can get free shipping on all DaVinci Laboratories items at Lucky Vitamin.com. Just enter the promotional code DVNCISHIP at checkout for free standard shipping on your order, for savings equivalent to $5.95 (cost of standard shipping). A $35 minimum purchase of DaVinci Labs products is required.

 Leave a Comment

	DaVinci Laboratories – DIM PLEX – 60 Vegetarian Capsules
	DaVinci Laboratories – Omega-3 HP-D Lemon Flavor – 120 Softgels
	DaVinci Laboratories – Clearly Fiber Powder – 176 Grams
	DaVinci Laboratories – CoEnzyme Q10 10 mg. – 100 Capsules

Recommendations of vitamin D supplements to babies were first established in the 1920s and a new study reinforces the importance of supplementation of the sunshine vitamin to breast-fed babies. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that the current recommendations to babies, fully or partially breast-fed, is 400 IU per day “quite satisfactory,” said lead study author and registered dietitian Hope Weiler of McGill University in Canada. In 2011, the Institute of Medicine also recommended 400 IU of vitamin D as being beneficial to infants, from newborns to babies up to 12 months.

Vitamin D is essential for growing healthy bones because it helps the body absorb calcium, without enough calcium, bone production may suffer. The human body has the ability to produce vitamin D when the skin is directly exposed to the sun, which is not an option for infants as babies younger than six months should not have any type of sun exposure. Babies who are exclusively breast-fed or even partially breast-fed are unlikely to get enough vitamin D because their mothers may lack it. So, parents should give their babies vitamin D supplements, according to Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. He says only about 10 to 20% of babies who are breast-fed are also given vitamin D.

 Leave a Comment

	Ddrops – Liquid Vitamin D3 60 Drops for Infants 400 IU – 0.06 oz.
	Nature’s Plus – Animal Parade Vitamin D3 Black Cherry – 90 Chewable Tablets
	NOW Foods – Liquid Vitamin D-3 400 IU – 2 oz. DAILY DEAL

A new study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women with a higher iron intake had about a 35% lower risk of being diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome PMS than women who had a lowest iron intake. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst compared the mineral intakes from food as well as supplements for nearly 1,060 women, ages 25 to 42, who had been diagnosed with PMS against those of 1,970 women who had few PMS symptoms.

After evaluating data, researchers concluded that iron supplements may ease the severity of PMS symptoms. PMS affects anywhere from 8 to 15 percent of women during their childbearing years and is characterized by physical and emotional symptoms ranging from breast tenderness and food cravings to fatigue and moodiness.

However, not all forms of dietary iron are the same. It was primarily the iron found in plant foods and in supplements that reduced a woman’s chances of developing PMS, while iron coming from animal sources did not have the same effect. Additionally the same study found that an intake of more than 15 milligrams a day from zinc supplements, not from food sources, was associated with a lower risk of PMS. Recommend daily intake for women experiencing PMS symptoms are 18 mg a day of iron and 8 mg a day of zinc.

 Leave a Comment

	United Research Labs – Ferrous Sulfate Iron Supplement 325 mg. – 100 Tablets
	Good ‘N Natural – Chelated Zinc (Zinc Gluconate) 25 mg. – 100 Tablets
	Country Life – Zinc Picolinate Advanced Absorption 25 mg. – 100 Tablets
	NOW Foods – Iron (Ferrochel Chelated Iron) 18 mg. – 120 Vegetarian Capsules

Once upon a time, chewable multivitamins were made for kids only. It was a smart, tricky way to ensure some children would get their vitamins and minerals without having to deal with regular pills, tablets or capsules. Companies have created funny, animal shaped chewable tablets, adding strawberry or orange flavors to make sure kids would enjoy taking their needed vitamins.

Today, chewable multiples are made for all ages and can be an easier way to take your daily supplementation. The biggest advantage of chewables over compression coated tablets is that you don’t have to swallow the pill. Multivitamins are generally pretty large size tablets or capsules and some people often have difficulties swallowing them. An attractive alternative, chewable multivitamins can easily dissolve in your mouth and most products contain added fruit flavors such as orange, apple, grape, and strawberry.

Adult chewable multivitamins are also equally as good as regular vitamins when it comes to ingredient formulas. Most products contain all the important vitamins and essential minerals that your body needs. Some products even add herbal blends to help with specific health issues. Wafers, gummies or chews, these vitamins are available in a variety of forms, sizes and flavors and price is generally the same as conventional tablets.

 Leave a Comment

	Hero Nutritional Products – Slice of Life Multi+ Sugar Free Adult Gummy Vitamins – 30 Gummies
	Centrum – Chewable Multivitamin/Multimineral Orange Flavored – 60 Chews
	Hero Nutritional Products – Slice of Life Energy+B12 Adult Gummy Vitamins – 60 Gummies
	Hero Nutritional Products – Slice of Life Vitamin C+Pomegranate Adult Gummy Vitamins – 60 Gummies

An interesting review of a historical study shows that cod liver oil was very effective at preventing and treating tuberculosis. Led by Professor Malcolm Green, the review analyzed data from a study carried out by physicians at the Hospital for Consumption, Chelsea (now the Royal Brompton Hospital), when 542 patients with tuberculosis received standard treatment with cod liver oil. These patients were compared with 535 patients who received standard treatment alone without cod liver oil. The disease was stabilized in 18% of the patients given cod liver oil, compared with only 6% of those in the control group. Deterioration or death occurred in 33% of patients given standard treatment alone, but in only 19% of those given cod liver oil, a reduction of 14%.

Professor Green says that the steady fall in tuberculosis deaths in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is often attributed to better living conditions but he believes improved nutrition was probably as important. “It could well be that the widespread use of cod liver oil encouraged by doctors played a significant part”. Green concludes that cod liver oil is a rich source of Vitamin D and additional studies shows that in order for the immune system to fight tuberculosis infection, it must have optimal levels of vitamin D. Since tuberculosis is still a common infection, accounting for millions of deaths annually across the world, vitamin D supplements are important to in combating tuberculosis.

Cod liver oil supplements can improve cholesterol levels, prevent heart attack, support brain health, and promote proper function of the immune and nervous system. Cod liver oil has high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and very high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D.

 Leave a Comment

	NOW Foods – Cod Liver Oil Double Strength 650 mg. – 250 Softgels
	Garden of Life – Olde World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil Lemon Mint – 8 oz.
	Nordic Naturals – Arctic Cod Liver Oil Lemon 1000 mg. – 180 Softgels
	Carlson Labs – Norwegian Cod Liver Oil Super 1000 mg. – 250 Softgels

A new study continues to investigate the efficiency of biotin in the treatment of hair loss. Previous research has found that common symptoms of biotin deficiency include thinning and loss of hair, often with loss of hair color, and therefore, regular intake of biotin supplements can be helpful to maintain healthy hair.

Biotin offers other benefits too. This essential water-soluble vitamin B helps the body to process fat, carbohydrates and sugars. Since biotin is so involved with creating the building blocks for basic body functions at a cellular level, it’s very important to have a sufficient supply of this nutritional element.

Additionally, biotin is used for preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight loss. It is also used orally for brittle nails, skin rash in infants, diabetes (combination of biotin and chromium), and mild depression. Symptoms of deficiency include red scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Other symptoms may include depression, listlessness, hallucinations, and tingling in the arms and legs.

Treating and preventing biotin deficiency can be very simple as biotin is found in small amounts in numerous foods. Almonds, walnuts and other nuts are a great source of biotin and carrots, eggs, milk, halibut, Swiss chard, berries and fruits also contain good amounts of this vitamin. Biotin is a water soluble compound which cannot easily be saved in the body long-term, so it’s important to obtain it regularly from your diet. Biotin is likely safe for most people and well tolerated when used at recommended dosages. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional before taking biotin supplements.

 1 Comment, latest by Arturo

It’s widely recognized that vitamin A is good for the eyes but it is often overlooked that vitamin E is also essential to maintain healthy vision. Vitamin E is a valuable antioxidant that offers many benefits for the body. Generally used to support hair, skin and nails, vitamin E is important for the maintenance of good eye health.

Vitamin E may play a role in reducing the advancement of macular degeneration, a very serious, progressive eye disease. Studies have shown that there is 25% less risk of developing the advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when taking vitamin E. In addition, vitamin E is also thought to help decrease the risk of developing cataracts. Food sources are always the best way to get vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and for vitamin E best sources include: almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts, olives, spinach, broccoli, papaya, mangos, kiwifruit, tomato, and blueberries.

Vitamin E supplements may be a great alternative if you are not getting enough E from food sources. However, you may not get the full spectrum of benefits from this antioxidant if you take supplements only. Vitamin E exists in eight different forms and E supplements generally contain only d-alpha tocopherol, while food sources, such as nuts and seeds have differing levels of each form. Ideally, you should get vitamin E from a variety of foods.

 Leave a Comment

	NOW Foods – Vitamin E- Mixed Tocopherols/Unesterified 200 IU – 100 Softgels
	Good ‘N Natural – Vitamin E 400 IU – 100 Softgels
	Good ‘N Natural – E-Oil d-Alpha Tocopherol 30000 IU – 2.5 oz.
	Solaray – Vitamin E 400 IU – 100 Softgels Formerly E D-Alpha Tocopherol

Some people face the same challenge every year: how to prevent the lack of vitamin D during the winter months. Particularly for those living in northern states, sun lighting will be reduced for a couple months and that could affect your health.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones for its ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus. We get most of our vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin as the body synthesizes sunshine into Vitamin D. During the winter months, lack of sun exposure may result in less calcium absorption, and therefore, may lead to bone related issues.

The amount of time you need to spend in the sun for your skin to make enough vitamin D varies for every person. It depends on a number of aspects such as skin type, time of the year, size of the area exposed, and length of exposure. Studies have shown that most effective time of day for vitamin D production is between 11am and 3pm but during the winter sunlight (November to March) the skin does not produce a significant amount as the sunlight doesn’t enough UVB (ultraviolet B) radiation.

You can compensate the lack of production by eating more foods high in vitamin D. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, eggs and meat are great sources. Additionally, eating foods fortified with vitamin D is another option to obtain adequate levels. Vitamin D is generally added to milk, margarine, breakfast cereals, soy products, powdered milks and low-fat spreads. You may also want to consider taking a multi-vitamin or a vitamin D supplement, especially during the dark winter months.

 Leave a Comment

	Jarrow Formulas – Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 5000 IU – 100 Softgels
	Deva Nutrition – Vegan D2 Vitamin D 2400 IU – 90 Tablets
	Solaray – Vitamin D-3 5000 IU & K-2 50 mcg MK-7 – 60 Vegetarian Capsules

A new report indicates that vitamin K may have significant effects on the circulatory system. Known for its ability to help with blood clotting, Vitamin K is one of the best nutrients to promote heart health by helping to reduce calcification.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article reports that in a recent clinical trial performed at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Researchers studied the link between vitamin K and heart health and discovered that vitamin K is essential for activation of substances called carboxyglutamate (Gla) proteins such as matrix Gla-protein, or MGP. MGP is a vascular calcification inhibitor which helps to prevent the sort of dangerous calcification that can lead to atherosclerosis. The researchers went on to study the effects of vitamin K deficiency in kidney transplant recipients because of its cardiovascular risk is high. The research team investigated vitamin K intake in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients with stable renal function.

They found that total vitamin K intake was below the recommended level in 50% of the patients. Lower vitamin K intake was associated with less consumption of green vegetables and increased MGP levels. Not surprisingly, MGP levels were elevated in 80% of the patients. The researchers concluded that the high MGP levels may result in an increased risk for arterial calcification.

 1 Comment, latest by MaxHealth Labs

	Michael’s Naturopathic Programs – Vitamin D3 Sublingual Sunshine With Vitamin K2 Natural Apricot Flavor 5000 IU – 90 Tablets
	Twinlab – Vitamin D-3 plus Vitamin K-2 Dots 1000 IU/90 Mcg – 60 Tablets
	Doctor’s Best – Natural Vitamin K2 featuring MenaQ7 45 mcg. – 60 Vegetarian Capsules
	Nature’s Life – Vitamin K-2 5000 mcg. – 60 Tablets

A recent study shows that people who take vitamin A supplements might be cutting their risk of developing skin cancer melanoma.

The study appeared in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and collected data on almost 70,000 people participating in a study on vitamins and lifestyle in Washington state. After about five years of follow-up, 566 people had developed melanoma.

Taking vitamin A (retinol) supplements was associated with a forty percent reduction in risk of developing melanoma, according to the study results.

However, while the study uncovered an association between retinol supplementation and melanoma risk, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. In addition, no relationship was seen between melanoma risk and vitamin A in the diet. Beneficial effects appeared to be limited to retinol but not to other forms of vitamin A called carotenoids. Supplements may have an additional benefit but they don’t replace a healthy diet, the study authors said.

 Leave a Comment

	Nature’s Way – Vitamin A 10000 IU – 100 Softgels
	NOW Foods – Vitamin A Fish Liver Oil – 250 Softgels
	Carlson Labs – Vitamin A Natural 10000 IU – 250 Softgels
	Solgar – Vitamin A 5000 IU – 100 Tablets

A recent study shows that iron deficiency may cause some cases of chronic cough in women.

Reported in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, the research claims that patients presenting to an outpatient respiratory clinic with unexplained chronic cough, and later found to be iron deficient,  showed a “dramatic” improvement in their symptoms after taking iron supplements.

Italian researchers say that, although this was only a small study, the 22 women involved in the study had not responded to standard treatment, but following  two months of iron treatment, a histamine challenge concentration had to be increased fourfold to produce the same number of coughs. A plausible mechanism for iron deficiency causing chronic cough could be impairment of the defense mechanisms of the airway mucosa, they suggested. This fitted with the well-known link between iron deficiency and oral mucosa atrophy.

See your naturopathic physician or doctor before taking iron supplements. Good sources of iron include oysters, clams, cereals, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit such as apricots and prunes.

 Leave a Comment

	United Research Labs – Ferrous Sulfate Iron Supplement 325 mg. – 100 Tablets
	Good ‘N Natural – Easy Iron (Iron Glycinate) 28 mg. – 90 Capsules
	Nature’s Plus – Chewable Iron with Vitamin C and Herbs – 90 Chewable Tablets
	Enzymatic Therapy – Energizing Iron – 90 Softgels

A recent study by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark shows that lack of vitamin C in pregnant women can lead to permanent damage to the brains of unborn babies.

The conclusions of the research just published in the scientific journal Plos One suggest that even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother stunts the fetal hippocampus, the important memory center, by 10 to 15 percent, preventing the brain from optimal development. The research team, led by Professor Jens Lykkesfeldt, noted that a lack of vitamin C isn’t unusual, either. In fact, population studies reveal between 10 and 20 percent of all adults in the developed world suffer from vitamin C deficiency.

“We used to think that the mother could protect the baby. Ordinarily there is a selective transport from mother to fetus of the substances the baby needs during pregnancy. However, it now appears that the transport is not sufficient in the case of vitamin C deficiency. Therefore, it is extremely important to draw attention to this problem, which potentially can have serious consequences for the children affected.”

The researchers suggested that pregnant women should not smoke and try to eat a well-balanced diet as well as taking a multi vitamin containing vitamin C.

 Leave a Comment

	Alacer – Emergen-C Vitamin C Super Orange 1000 mg. – 30 Packet(s)
	Dynamic Health – Liquid Vitamin C 1000 mg. – 16 oz.
	Solgar – Ester-C Plus Vitamin C 1000 mg. – 180 Tablets

Many people use sunscreen to protect their skin from getting sunburned or from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. However, in a recent finding, it has been proven that wearing sunscreen also blocks the effects of natural vitamin D that comes from sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is important for healthy skin and calcium absorption throughout the body. Read more about this from this post.

Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-28/lucknow/34147742_1_vitamin-d-deficiency-brittle-bones-bone-health

 Leave a Comment

	Kiss My Face – Natural Mineral Sunscreen 40 SPF – 3 oz.
	Alba Botanica – Very Emollient Natural Protection Sport Sunblock 45 SPF – 4 oz.
	California Baby – Sunscreen Lotion Super Sensitive No Fragrance 30 SPF – 2.9 oz.
	Mountain Ocean – Lip Trip SPF-15 – 0.165 oz.

Australians were previously reported to have normal to high vitamin D levels during Spring, and low levels during Winter. Further research evidence confirms that this is in fact false – Aussies have the lowest levels of D-vitamin in the Spring. This will have a huge impact on the way tests and future research will be conducted. Read more about this from SkyNews.com.au.

Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/health/article.aspx?id=800078

 Leave a Comment

	Solgar – Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol 5000 IU – 240 Vegetarian Capsules
	Carlson Labs – Super Daily D3 Liquid Vitamin D 365 Drops 2000 IU – 0.38 oz.
	Nature’s Life – Vitamin D-3 400 IU – 100 Softgels
	Source Naturals – Vitamin D-3 2000 IU – 200 Capsules