Vitamin D, Innate Response, and MegaFood

Vitamin D is Important for Many Things

Almost every cell in the body has receptors for vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the cell division process and also contributes to:

• normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
• normal calcium levels in the blood.
• maintaining normal bone structure.
• maintaining normal muscle function.
• maintaining healthy teeth.
• the normal function of the immune system.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Europe

On 10th February 2016, a large number of researchers published an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers' summary reads: "The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across the entire European population is evident and concerning. It requires action from a public health perspective. The direction of this action depends on EU policy but should aim for a vitamin D intake that protects the majority of the EU population from vitamin D deficiency."

How Much Vitamin D Should You Get?

The amount of vitamin D you need depends on body weight. Robert P. Heaney is an American endocrinologist specialising in nutrition. Until 2014, he was a professor at John A. Creighton University. He is world-renowned for his research in bone biology, osteoporosis, and the physiology of vitamin D and calcium. His research shows that the optimal intake is around 70–80 IU of Vitamin D3 per kilogram of body weight per day. This intake results in vitamin D levels in the body of approximately 40–80 ng/ml (100–200 nmol/l) in the blood, which is about the target level. 70–80 IU of Vitamin D3 per kilogram of body weight per day is the total vitamin D intake, that is, from sunlight, diet, and supplements. On average, a man gets 204–288 IU/day, and a woman gets 144 to 276 IU/day. The remaining vitamin D must come from sunlight exposure or supplements.

Vitamin D3 from Sunlight and Food?

In Sweden, we can only produce vitamin D from the sun in relevant levels during the months of May to August. The rest of the year, we rely on vitamin D-rich foods and supplements in the form of vitamin D3. It is difficult to get sufficient levels from food alone. For example, you would need to eat over a kilogram of cold-smoked salmon or over four and a half kilos of eggs without shells to get 4000 IU (100 μg) of vitamin D.

In-House Testing Laboratory – Important When It Comes to Supplements

Innate Response and MegaFood have their own in-house testing laboratory, which is very rare in the industry. All products are tested for purity, strength, and any unwanted substances, among other things. This is important not only to ensure the supplement is pure but also to check the dosage. In 2013, a study showed that only 1/3 of all tested vitamin D supplements on the market actually contained what was stated on the label. 2/3 of all tested vitamin D supplements had variations between 52–135% of the amount of vitamin D listed on the label.

Vitamin D3 in Innate Response and MegaFood

Innate Response and MegaFood offer vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol, i.e., vitamin D3, not vitamin D2. The body prefers vitamin D3, and you should avoid taking vitamin D2 supplements, also known as ergocalciferol.

Author