From Prevention Health on-line:
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If your mother gave you vitamin D-rich cod liver oil when you were a child, she may have been way ahead of her time.
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A new animal study from Japan suggests that vitamin D may help clear the brain of amyloid beta, a toxic protein-like compound that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
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Human Research Support
This animal study validates the results of a previous study done in human Alzheimer's patients. In the human study, vitamin D together with curcumin -- a chemical found in turmeric spice -- appeared to stimulate the immune system in a way that helped clear the brain of toxic amyloid beta. But this new animal research suggests that vitamin D alone may be able to do that job nicely. Even more amazing, the lab animals that received vitamin D were able to remove a significant amount of amyloid beta buildup in their brains, literally overnight. It seems the vitamin may somehow regulate production of transporter proteins that ferry amyloid beta across the blood-brain barrier and out of the brain. Pretty exciting stuff.

Thanks for posting this review! I love this website and I’ve subscribed to it.
I’m looking forward to see your future posts. Cheers !!

Thanks.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for activation.

I had my annual physical last month, and my doctor discussed vitamin D and calcium with me. Other than fish oil, these are the only 2 supplements that I take. She recommended upping my vitamin D and calcium based on new recommendations out there. Many Americans are vitamin D deficient. And, this is very important since Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption.

From Prevention: Scientists have now discovered that vitamin D is the biochemical key that actually releases the most stubborn fat in your cells so your body can burn it off—instead of piling it on your hips, thighs, and belly.
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So use the ZONE Diet to burn off the released Fat ...

Hi All,

A randomized, double blind placebo study has proven vitamin d supplementation reduces one's risk of catching the flu.

Vitamin D proven far better than vaccines at preventing influenza infections

http://www.naturalnews.com/029760_v...uenza.html

Avoid Flu Shots, Take Vitamin D Instead

http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller27.html

Interesting stuff.

I don't know if it is the vitamin D or just basically a combination of all of the healthful things that I am doing, but I haven't had a cold to speak of for quite a few years, coinciding with when I started to pay closer attention to vitamin D.

CBC, I went about 4 years w/o being sick which I attribute mostly to the Zone Diet. I'm still getting over something that I had last week - so it isn't bullet proof. Considering that I used to get sick 5-10 days every single year, I'm still way ahead of the game. Vitamin D is just icing on the cake. BTW, how much do you take and why? I take 2,000 IU a day.

With Vitamin D3 - it is best to have your blood tested.
I was taking 4,000 IU per day.
Recent blood test (25 Hydroxy) revealed Vitamin D level at 50ng/mL.
So I recently upped my amount to 6,000 IU per day.
I would like my blood to get to a 60ng/mL per day.
However, as our short summer approaches, and I am able to spend more time in the sun,
sans sunscreen for 40 minutes per day between 10 am and 2pm or at least several times per week,
I will then cut back to the 4,000 IU per day.
And only up it back up to 6,000 IU per day during Fall, Winter, and early Spring.
And have my blood rechecked at my next annual Dr. check-up.
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Caution, Warning, Disclaimer, etc.:
You should be on a same dosing regimen for at least 3 months before having your blood checked.
And before taking any amounts and you should consult with your doctor.
This is only what I do for myself in consultation with my doctor.

I also take vitamin D 2000 IU per day, combined with calcuim. An important note, many calcium supplements are not fully absorbed. My doctor specifies that the label should specify "elemental" calcium. I am amazed at how difficult it is to find a calcium supplement listed this way! Tums is a good supplement (but no vitamin D that I am aware of).

I don't take it for any special reason other than preventative measures.

Agree, it isn't "bullet-proof" and I consider it a good insurance premium. Vitamin D does not show up in many foods, and even though I enjoy the seafood items that it is in, I certainly don't eat enough of them. And, in the northern hemisphere, I don't get enough of the adequate intensity of the sun to be able to produce it myself. So, I do take it regularly in the winter, and maybe not so regularly in the summer.

A note: I live in New England (New Hampshire) with a lot less sun than central and southern states. So, hence the need to up the amount I take. Remember, Primitive (Paleo) man upon part of which Dr. Sears bases his program, did not work inside, as we do. He/she was outside a good portion of the day, and only inside to sleep. So, mankind's living provided all of the Vitamin D necessary from the sun. Food was no necessary to provide our Vitamin D requirements. So, our good Lord did not provide Vitamin d in our food. Alas, we (most of us) have become an inside creature as well as sedentary.

Not to mention that the sun's rays have become more harmful in modern times. Although, I think it has been said that it only takes 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day to produce enough vitamin D, but even that amount of sunlight scares away many survivors of skin cancer.

Although, I am fortunate enough to not have had skin cancer, but it is still a concerning issue!