Liquid Vitamin D3 (Adult) - 100ml

Vitamin D Deficiency - A Common Problem in all Age Groups

Vitamin D is not really a vitamin because it is synthesized by the skin following exposure to sunlight. Synthesis of Vitamin D depends upon a wide number of factors including the type of ultraviolet light as well as the intensity, duration of exposure, skin pigmentation, age, altitude, latitude, hour of day and time of year.

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread across all population groups. Most physicians recognize that the elderly population is at risk, however it is less appreciated that children, young adults and middle age groups are also at risk of being deficient. Studies have shown that children in areas ranging from Madrid, Spain to Maine, New York were approximately 50% deficit in vitamin D in the winter months. Apart from those who live in equilateral regions, most people do not synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D. For instance, in Edmonton, which is 52N, vitamin D synthesis is impaired from October through to March.

Vitamin D for Children
The most well known role of vitamin D is its involvement in maintaining healthy bones. In children, vitamin D is essential for the proper growth and development of bones, and deficiency can result in rickets. Vitamin D is critical for bone health because it is required for the efficient utilization of dietary calcium. If vitamin D levels are too low, the body will begin to break down the bones to access calcium stores. Research has shown that vitamin D supplementation early in life leads to higher bone mineral density (BMD) at 7-9 years of age, and that adolescents with low vitamin D levels have lower BMD.

Vitamin D is also important in the function of muscles. Research has shown that young girls (12-14 years old) with higher vitamin D levels demonstrate greater muscle power than those with lower levels.

Vitamin D supplementation is also important during pregnancy and at very young ages, as inadequate vitamin D levels early in life have been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, breathing disorders and type 1 diabetes later in life. For example, infants receiving 2000IU of vitamin D in the first year of life were 80% less likely to develop type 1 diabetes. There may also be a link between vitamin D and autism, as autism is much more prevalent in areas of low sunlight. Vitamin D has also been shown to play a role in immunity, and may help to prevent placental infections during pregnancy.

Vitamin D for Adults
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health at all ages. In adults and older individuals, vitamin D deficiency results in osteomalacia (a softening of the bones) and can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. In adults, supplementation with 800IU of vitamin D has been linked to a 26% reduction of hip fractures and a 23% reduction in non-vertebral fractures.

Muscle weakness, pain and changes in gait have also been described in vitamin D insufficiency. This may be the reason that the elderly have more falls and consequently increased fracture rates.

Vitamin D has been associated with increased hypertension, increased auto-immune diseases and various forms of unhealthy cells including in the breast, prostate and skin. Low Vitamin D is associated with chronic pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), poor immune system, diabetes, seasonally affective disorders and even an increased risk of mortality by all causes. Studies also suggest that vitamin D has important immunological and antibacterial effects, and may be important for preventing infections and even the common cold.

Vitamin D3 in a Liquid Form
With such a range of effects on health, getting an adequate amount of vitamin D is essential for people of all ages. AOR's new liquid vitamin D3 is available in both adult and children's formulas. The convenient liquid formulation is easily absorbed and is ideal for children and other individuals who have difficulty swallowing capsules. The calibrated dropper ensures accurate doses. Liquid vitamin D3 uses medium-chain triglyceride oil from coconut, which has a neutral flavor and minimizes the risk of allergies.