Curcumin Shows Promise for Parkinson's Patients

Courtesy of Swanson Research

April 2012

Intake of the spice curcumin (turmeric) could help reduce clumping of proteins associated with the onset of Parkinson’s disease, according to new research.

The study—published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry—reports that the compound found in the spice curcumin could one day be effective in preventing or reducing Parkinson’s by blocking the clumping (aggregation) action of proteins involved in the disease.

Researchers from Michigan State University found that the spice prevents aggregation of a protein known as alpha-synuclein by forcing it to scatter.

"Our research shows that curcumin can rescue proteins from aggregation, the first steps of many debilitating diseases," said Professor Lisa Lapidus, who co-authored the paper.

"More specifically, curcumin binds strongly to alpha-synuclein and prevents aggregation at body temperatures," she added.

The researchers said that when curcumin binds to alpha-synuclein it not only stops clumping, but it also speeds up the protein’s folding and reconfiguration. By increasing the speed, the spice compound makes protein avoid clumping with other proteins as it is prone to when it folds more slowly.

Lapidus said the study opens the door for new developments as it showcases the potential for measuring and altering the reconfiguration of proteins that can lead to serious health issues.

Lapidus’ team said that shedding light on the process by correlating the speed at which protein folds with its tendency to clump or bind with other proteins could help future research and development activities.

Curcumin has increasingly come under the scientific spotlight in recent years, with studies investigating its potential health benefits. As a result, curcumin has been linked to a range of health benefits, including potential protection against Alzheimer’s, heart failure, diabetes and arthritis.

Journal of Biological Chemistry 287(12):9193-9199, 2012

Curcumin Extreme

 

To purchase Curcumin Extreme, click here or call 727.492.8212

Primary Benefits of Curcumin Extreme™*:  

• Promotes normal activity of NF-KappaB
• Supports normal liver detoxification activity
• Supports overall liver health
• Promotes apoptosis in unhealthy cells
• Promotes normal cell cycle activity
• Helps maintain overall cell integrity
• Promotes normal cellular regeneration
• Helps maintain healthy glutathione levels
• Supports normal glutathione synthesis
• Promotes the normal production of detoxification enzymes
• Supports the body’s natural ability to produce detoxification enzymes
• Promotes normal levels of detoxification enzymes that scavenge harmful toxins in the body
• Helps to maintain neurological health as we age
• Helps to maintain good cognitive health as we age
• Promotes normal immune cell-brain (neuron) interactions in order to maintain cognitive health
• Promotes neurological health
• Protects neurons from the negative effects of free radicals
• Powerful antioxidant
• Protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals
• Promotes free-radical protection
• Promotes a strong immune system

 
Key Ingredients Found In Curcumin Extreme™:

Curcumin (BCM-95®): 400 mgScientists have long been aware of the wide array of health benefits from the Indian spice turmeric, which is a source of the active phytochemical curcumin. Until now, curcumin has been known to have poor bioavailability, requiring high doses to promote health. BCM-95® delivers significantly more pharmacologically bioactive curcumin into the blood than other curcumin sources. This new delivery system allows for a variety of health benefits.
How is this possible? Traditional 95% extract focuses strictly on one part of the Turmeric rhizome. This bioactive substance of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) contains “Curcuminoids” and Curcumin is the most important molecule. Research has shown its tremendous health benefit. Even though Curcumin is the most important molecule, the bioavailability of the regular Turmeric 95% extracts sold on the market is not very good in terms of uptake or sustainability in the blood stream. There are other essential components present in Turmeric Rhizome which have been neglected during the traditional method of manufacturing of Turmeric 95% Extract. BCM-95® represents the natural spectrum of turmeric rhizome. It is 100 percent natural and has been proven to provide optimal bioavailability for synergistic effect. This new method of manufacture offers tremendous value in terms of bioavailability.
Antioxidants have received increased attention, and it’s important to know what nutrients are antioxidants and information about them. One such nutrient is Curcumin. Curcumin is a natural extract from the spice turmeric. Turmeric is derived from the plant Curcuma Longa, a member of the ginger family.
Curcumin is employed mostly as an antioxidant; though it was traditionally used to promote stomach and joint comfort. The immune-balancing activity of curcumin has been demonstrated through multiple mechanisms to support normal COX-2 and NF-KappaB levels in the body.
The neuroprotective properties of curcumin are among the most studied. Curcumin has been designated as a strong candidate for the promotion of neurological health and cognitive function. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and support the normal uptake of amyloid-beta in the brain. This supports the brain's memory and learning abilities as we age. Another neuroprotective property of curcumin is its ability to promote normal levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the brain. This can help to maintain the health of neurological tissues.
Curcumin supports the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. The liver plays several roles in detoxification: it filters the blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile full of cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymatically disassembles unwanted chemicals. This enzymatic process usually occurs in two steps referred to as phase I and phase II. They promote the body’s natural enzyme antioxidant defense systems and function as a powerful indirect antioxidant. These enzymes promote the body’s normal metabolism of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, toxins and pollutants into less reactive molecules. Curcumin has also been shown to promote normal hepatic tissue repair.
Broccoli Seed Extract (6% Sulphoraphane Glucosinolates): 167 mg The health benefits and protective properties of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have been well documented over the past 25 years. Broccoli Seed Extract is a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Sulforaphanes promote the body’s natural enzyme antioxidant defense systems and function as a powerful indirect antioxidant. Sulphoraphanes work to support gene transcription, which is the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA, resulting in a specific protein formation. Conclusively, sulphoraphanes work to support the body’s natural defense systems and to maintain elevated levels of glutathione.
Glutathione is the master antioxidant of the body. It is an important chemical that acts as a powerful antioxidant to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. It also acts to recycle vitamin C and E, which also reduce free radicals. Since glutathione cannot be absorbed intact orally due to gastrointestinal degradation, sulphoraphane supplementation may be the most effective way to increase endogenous glutathione concentration.
Selenium (Selenomethionine): 100 mcg Selenium is a required cofactor for selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase. Selenomethionine is incorporated directly into proteins because selenomethionine cannot be distinguished from methionine during the translation of mRNA into protein. This serves as a storage form of selenium and is liberated upon protein catabolism. Selenium accumulates in the prostate, promoting the health of the prostate. Selenium supports immune function by promoting normal growth and development of T helper cells.


Scientific Studies Which Support Curcumin Extreme™:

• Araujo, C. and Leon, L. Biological activities of Curcuma longa L. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. 96(5): 723-728, 2001.
• Bhattacharyya, S., et al. Curcumin prevents tumor-induced T cell apoptosis through Stat-5a-mediated Bcl-2 induction. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 282(22): 15954-15964.
• Biswas, S., et al. Curcumin induces glutathione biosynthesis and inhibits NF-kappaB activation and interleukin-8 release in alveolar epithelial cells: mechanism of free radical scavenging activity. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. 7(1-2): 32-41, 2005.
• Cheng, Y., et al. Effects of curcumin on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression and nuclear translocation/redistribution in culture-activated rat hepatic stellate cells. Chinese Medical Journal. 120(9): 794-801, 2007.
• Churchill, M., et al. Inhibition of intestinal tumors by curcumin is associated with changes in the intestinal immune cell profile. Journal of Surgical Research. 89(2): 169-175, 2000.
• Cornblatt, B., et al. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of sulforaphane for chemoprevention in the breast. 28(7): 1485-1490, 2007.
• Dairam, A., et al. Curcuminoids, curcumin, and demethoxycurcumin reduce lead-induced memory deficits in male Wistar rats. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 55(3): 1039-1044, 2007.
• Dickinson, D., et al. Curcumin alters EpRE and AP-1 binding complexes and elevates glutamate-cysteine ligase gene expression. FASEB. 17(3): 473-475, 2003.
• Fahey, J., et al. Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and prevents benzo[a]pyrene-induced stomach tumors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 99(11): 7610-7615, 2002.
• Farombi, E., et al. Curcumin attenuates dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver injury in rats through Nrf2-mediated induction of heme oxygenase-1. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 46(4): 1279-1287, 2008.
• Funk, J., et al. Turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Natural Products. 69(3): 351-355, 2006.
• Gao, X. and Talalay, P. Induction of phase 2 genes by sulforaphane protects retinal pigment epithelial cells against photooxidative damage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 101(28): 10446-10451, 2004.
• Garcia-Alloza, M., et al. Curcumin labels amyloid pathology in vivo, disrupts existing plaques, and partially restores distorted neurites in an Alzheimer mouse model. Journal of Neurochemistry. 102(4): 1095-1104, 2007.
• Higdon, J., et al. Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic basis. Pharmacological Research. 55(3): 224-236, 2007.
• Howells, L., et al. Comparison of oxaliplatin- and curcumin-mediated antiproliferative effects in colorectal cell lines. International Journal of Cancer. 121(1): 175-183, 2007.
• Jagetia, G. and Aggarwal, B. "Spicing up" of the immune system by curcumin. Journal of Clinical Immunology. 27(1): 19-35, 2007.
• Johnson, J., et al. Curcumin for chemoprevention of colon cancer. Cancer Letters. 255(2): 170-181, 2007.
• Juge, N., et al. Molecular basis for chemoprevention by sulforaphane: a comprehensive review. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 64(9): 1105-1127, 2007.
• Kaur, G., et al. Inhibition of oxidative stress and cytokine activity by curcumin in amelioration of endotoxin-induced experimental hepatoxicity in rodents. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 145(2): 313-321, 2006.
• Kim, G., et al. Curcumin inhibits immunostimulatory function of dendritic cells: MAPKs and translocation of NF-kappa B as potential targets. Journal of Immunology. 174(12): 8116-8124, 2005.
• Kurup, V., et al. Immune response modulation by curcumin in a latex allergy model. Clinical and Molecular Allergy. 5: 1, 2007.
• Lim, G., et al. The curry spice curcumin reduces oxidative damage and amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse. Journal of Neuroscience. 21(21): 8370-8377, 2001.
• Lin, J. Molecular targets of curcumin. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 595: 227-243, 2007.
• Magalska, A., et al. Curcumin induces cell death without oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in quiescent and proliferating human CD8+ cells. Acta Biochimica Polonica. 53(3): 531-538, 2006.
• Maheshwari, R., et al. Multiple biological activities of curcumin: a short review. Life Sciences. 78(18): 2081-2087, 2006.
• Mathuria, N. and Verma, R. Ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced toxicity in DNA, RNA and protein in liver and kidney of mice. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 64(6): 497-502, 2007.
• Monograph. Curcuma longa (turmeric). Alternative Medicine Review. 6(suppl): S62-S66, 2001.
• Morimitsu, Y., et al. A sulforaphane analogue that potently activates the Nrf2-dependent detoxification pathway. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 277(5): 3456-3463, 2002.
• Myzak, M. and Dashwood, R. Chemoprotection by sulforaphane: keep one eye beyond Keap1. Cancer Letters. 233(2): 208-218, 2006.
• Myzak, M., et al. Sulforaphane inhibits histone deacetylase in vivo and suppresses tumorigenesis in Apc-minus mice. FASEB. 20(3): 506-508, 2006.
• Naik, R., et al. Protection of liver cells from ethanol cytotoxicity by curcumin in liver slice culture in vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 95(1): 31-37, 2004.
• Nanji, A., et al. Curcumin prevents alcohol-induced liver disease in rats by inhibiting the expression of NF-kappa B-dependent genes. American Journal of Physiology. 284(2): G321-G327, 2003.
• Ng, T., et al. Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly. American Journal of Epidemiology. 164(9): 898-906, 2006.
• Nishinaka, T., et al. Curcumin activates human glutathione S-transferase P1 expression through antioxidant response element. Toxicology Letters. 170(3): 238-247, 2007.
• Noyan-Ashraf, M., et al. Dietary approach to decrease aging-related CNS inflammation. Nutritional Neuroscience. 8(2): 101-110, 2005.
• O’Connell, M. and Rushworth, S. Curcumin: potential for hepatic fibrosis therapy? British Journal of Pharmacology. 153(3): 403-405, 2007.
• Osawa, T. Nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of curcuminoids. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 595: 407-423, 2007.
• Pal, S., et al. Amelioration of immune cell number depletion and potentiation of depressed detoxification system of tumor-bearing mice by curcumin. Cancer Detection and Prevention. 29(5): 470-478, 2005.
• Pari, L. and Amali, D. Protective role of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) an active principle of turmeric on chloroquine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 8(1): 115-123, 2005.
• Perkins, S., et al. Chemopreventive efficacy and pharmacokinetics of curcumin in the min/+ mouse, a model of familial adenomatous polyposis. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention. 11(6): 535-540, 2002.
• Rushworth, S., et al. Role of protein kinase C delta in curcumin-induced antioxidant response element-mediated gene expression in human monocytes. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 341(4): 1007-1016, 2006.
• Salvioli, S., et al. Curcumin in cell death processes: A challenge for CAM of age-related pathologies. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 4(2): 181-190, 2007.
• Scapagnini, G., et al. Curcumin activates defensive genes and protects neurons against oxidative stress. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. 8(3-4): 395-403, 2006.
• Shen, G., et al. Modulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-mediated gene expression in mice liver and small intestine by cancer chemopreventive agent curcumin. Molecular and Cancer Therapeutics. 5(1): 39-51, 2006.
• Shen, S., et al. Protective effect of curcumin against liver warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat model is associated with regulation of heat shock protein and antioxidant enzymes. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 13(13): 1953-1961, 2007.
• Shishodia, S., et al. Curcumin: getting back to the roots. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1056: 206-217, 2005.
• Shu, J., et al. The study of therapeutic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and variation of correlated cytokine. Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials. 30(11): 1421-1425, 2007.
• Shu, J., et al. Therapeutic effects of curcumin treatment on hepatic fibrosis. Chinese Journal of Hepatology. 15(10): 753-757, 2007.
• Shukla, P., et al. Protective effect of curcumin against lead neurotoxicity in rat. Human and Experimental Toxicology. 22(12): 653-658, 2003.
• Smith, T., et al. Allyl-isothiocyanate causes mitotic block, loss of cell adhesion and disrupted cytoskeletal structure in HT29 cells. Carcinogenesis. 25(8): 1409-1415, 2004.
• Srinivasan, M., et al. Protective effect of curcumin on gamma-radiation induced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in cultured human lymphocytes. Mutation Research. 611(1-2): 96-103, 2006.
• Tang, L., et al. Potent activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and arrest in S and M phases of cancer cells by a broccoli sprout extract. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 5(4): 935-944, 2006.
• Thangapazham, R., et al. Multiple molecular targets in cancer chemoprevention by curcumin. AAPS Journal. 8(3): E443-E449, 2006.
• Thejass, P. and Kuttan, G. Antimetastatic activity of Sulforaphane. Life Sciences. 78(26): 3043-3050, 2006.
• Thejass, P. and Kuttan, G. Augmentation of natural killer cell and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in BALB/c mice by sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate from broccoli through enhanced production of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 28(3): 443-457, 2006.
• Thejass, P. and Kuttan, G. Immunomodulatory activity of Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate from broccoli (Brassica oleracea). Phytomedicine. 14(7-8): 538-545, 2007.
• Wakabayashi, N., et al. Protection against electrophile and oxidant stress by induction of the phase 2 response: fate of cysteines of the Keap1 sensor modified by inducers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 101(7): 2040-2045, 2004.
• Wei, Q., et al. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in rat liver mitochondria by curcumin and its analogues. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 1760(1): 70-77, 2006.
• Wu, A., et al. Dietary curcumin counteracts the outcome of traumatic brain injury on oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. 197(2): 309-317, 2006.
• Xu, Y., et al. Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression and phosphorylation of CREB. Brain Research. 1122(1): 56-64, 2006.
• Yadav, V., et al. Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 27(3): 485-497, 2005.
• Yang, F., et al. Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloid beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaques, and reduces amyloid in vivo. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 280(7): 5892-5901, 2005.
• Ye, S., et al. Effect of curcumin on the induction of glutathione S-transferases and NADP(H):quinone oxidoreductase and its possible mechanism of action. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. 42(4): 376-380, 2007.
• Zhang, L., et al. Curcuminoids enhance amyloid-beta uptake by macrophages of Alzheimer's disease patients. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 10(1): 1-7, 2006.
• Zheng, S. and Chen, A. Curcumin suppresses the expression of extracellular matrix genes in activated hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting gene expression of connective tissue growth factor. American Journal of Physiology. 290(5): G883-G893, 2006.
• Zheng, S. and Chen, A. Disruption of transforming growth factor-beta signaling by curcumin induces gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in rat hepatic stellate cells. American Journal of Physiology. 292(1): G113-G123, 2007.
• Zheng, S., et al. De novo synthesis of glutathione is a prerequisite for curcumin to inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 43(3): 444-453, 2007.

What Makes Curcumin Extreme™ Unique?  
There are many curcumin products on the market, but Curcumin Extreme™ with BCM-95® has superior bioavailability and absorption. BCM-95 contains the natural spectrum of the turmeric rhizome and is 100 percent natural. Curcumin Extreme promotes liver detoxification, promotes healthy glutathione levels and normal cellular regeneration. Taking Curcumin Extreme every day can help detoxify impurities in your body that build up over time.* 
Curcumin Extreme also includes 167mg of broccoli seed extract, a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes, including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Sulforaphanes also support gene transcription, the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA. They also support the body’s natural defense systems. Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the human body, which serves to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. Furthermore, glutathione recycles vitamins C and E, which are also powerful antioxidants.*

Frequently Asked Questions About Curcumin Extreme™:

What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is present in the spice turmeric, frequently used in Indian food. Its chemical makeup is responsible for the yellow coloring of turmeric and is often used specifically to give color to foods. However, it may serve a more important purpose to humans.

Are any side effects associated with Curcumin Extreme™?

Side effects are uncommon and are generally limited to mild stomach distress.

What are the potential advantages of taking curcumin?

Curcumin supports liver detoxification activity, promotes normal cellular regeneration and helps maintain healthy glutathione levels. It also supports the body’s natural ability to produce detoxification enzymes and has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant. It promotes neurological health and helps to maintain neurological health as we age. It can also promote free radical protection and a strong immune system.*

         

Are there any warnings associated with taking Curcumin Extreme?

If you are currently taking warfarin (Coumadin) or other anti-platelet/anti-coagulate, you should not take this product. If you are taking any other prescription drugs or have an ongoing medical condition, you should consult your physician before using this product. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this product.  

Who should take Curcumin Extreme?

Anyone 18 or over can take Curcumin Extreme, especially those who want to support their normal liver detoxification activity, help maintain their healthy glutathione levels, promote their neurological health and those who want to promote a strong immune system.

What other Market America products work well with Curcumin Extreme?

Curcumin Extreme can be taken in conjunction with Glucosatrin® to support normal COX-2 levels and promote joint comfort. It can also be taken with Cognitin™ to promote normal immune cell-brain (neuron) interactions in order to maintain cognitive health and also to promote neurological health.

Can I take OPC-3® with Curcumin Extreme?

Yes, as long as the directions for use are followed for each product.

 

I am considering purchasing Curcumin Extreme because of some of the positive effects that I have read about. Should I refrain from taking my medications while taking curcumin or can I take both?If you are taking any prescription drugs or have an ongoing medical condition, you should consult your physician before using this product. Your physician can properly advise you about the best course of action regarding your prescription medications. 

What is the recommended daily serving for Curcumin Extreme?

Take 1 capsule per day with or without a meal.

Are there any human clinical trials done with Curcumin?

There have been clinical trials performed with curcumin in patients with different diseases. These are mostly pilot studies that are “proof of concept” type. More than 10 trials are now in progress in the United States and other countries.

What is the purpose of the Broccoli Seed Extract contained in this product?

It promotes the liver detoxification activity, and it works to support the body’s natural defense systems and to sustain elevated levels of glutathione.

Can men and women take this product?

Yes. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this product.

Does Curcumin Extreme contain any allergens?

No, the product is free from any allergens such as soy, wheat, gluten or dairy. 

When should I start to see/feel the effects of this product? What should I expect?The antioxidant benefits of Curcumin should be noticeable in about four to six weeks. Please remember that everyone’s body is different, so for some it may take longer to notice the benefits of Curcumin. You should expect to feel better and healthier overall.*

Comparing 2,000 IU/day vs. 5,000 IU/day vitamin D supplementation

March 29, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD (Courtesy of Vitamin D Council)

Dr. Terry Diamond and colleagues of St. George’s Hospital in New South Wales just published the first head-to-head comparison of 5,000 IU/day to 2,000 IU/day. Remember, the Food and Nutrition Board says 4,000 IU/day is the upper limit, but Dr. Diamond knows the pharmacology of vitamin D well enough to know that quite a few people will still have inadequate levels at 4,000 IU/day.

He recruited 30 patients with vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/ml and put half on 5,000 IU/day and half on 2,000 IU/day for three months. He measured a number of things, the most important of which was muscle strength.

Diamond T, Wong YK, Golombick T. Effect of oral cholecalciferol 2,000 versus 5,000 IU on serum vitamin D, PTH, bone and muscle strength in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Osteoporos Int. 2012 Mar 16.

After 3 months of 2,000 IU/day the vitamin D levels averaged 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L), meaning about half the patients were still vitamin D deficient. Not so with the 5,000 IU/day group. The average vitamin D level was 45 ng/ml (114 nmol/L), right in the “natural range.” In addition, 93% of the patients had levels higher than 30 ng/ml compared to the 2,000 IU/day group, where only 45 % had levels above 30 ng/ml. Remember, one of the problems with daily dosing is that you must rely on the patient to take their medication. As an old GP, I am here to tell you not all patients take their meds; the ones that get me are the ones who look me straight in the eye and tell me something I know is not true.

In Dr. Diamond’s well-designed study, changes in grip strength compared to baseline were very significant, while the improvements in timed tests of sitting to standing and the 6-meter walk test also improved, but not significantly. What surprised me was that the improvements did not vary with dosage. That is, the 2,000 IU/day had the same improvements in grip strength as did the 5,000 IU/day, meaning muscle strength improvements are the most dramatic at changes in lower ranges of vitamin D levels. By that, I mean if your level is 5 ng/ml to start out and you get to up to 20 ng/ml, your percentage improvement in muscle strength will be much more dramatic than someone who went from 20 to 35 ng/ml.

I am glad to see Australians using daily dosing of vitamin D. Many of the “Stoss” doses, 100,000 IU/month or 600,000/year are not physiological, and are dangerous. Vitamin D was made every day in the skin of our ancestors and we should strive to replicate such dosing schedules. How much do we need? To quote Dr. Diamond, “This study demonstrates that the administration of oral vitamin D at 5,000 IU daily is superior to 2,000 IU daily for 3 months to treat mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency.”

 Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2

Single Bottle (30 Servings)

Key Ingredients found in Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): 5000 IU

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in some foods and endogenously produced when sunlight strikes the skin and activates vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D promotes the efficient intestinal absorption of calcium, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum by supporting the synthesis of calcium-binding proteins to promote normal calcium absorption and retention. Vitamin D also promotes the normal formation of bone and normal bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by factors such as lack of exposure to sunlight, reduced skin synthesis of vitamin D, lower dietary intake, impaired intestinal absorption, and reduced metabolism to active forms of vitamin D by the kidneys, all of which increase with aging. Deficiency has been linked to numerous health concerns, and insufficient levels of this vitamin are associated with weak bones and muscle weakness. In addition to promoting strong bones, vitamin D also has other roles in health, including supporting the body’s normal modulation of neuromuscular function and immune function. Vitamin D has been shown to support immune-modulation, and it is thought that supplementation promotes immune health by promoting the body’s normal regulation of T-cell function. In reference to cellular health, Vitamin D supports the modulation of many genes that are responsible for encoding proteins that regulate normal cell cycle activity. Vitamin D levels have been strongly correlated to healthy cells. Lastly, through its interaction with VDR (vitamin D receptor), vitamin D supports the healthy expression of the gene encoding renin, thus helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.*

Vitamin K2: 45 mcg 

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found meat, eggs, dairy and natto. Although a fat-soluble vitamin, the body stores very little K2, and its stores are rapidly depleted without regular dietary intake. Natural vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), is the most bioavailable form of K2 and has the longest half-life in the blood of any form of vitamin K. The Japanese soy food natto is particularly rich in menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Studies of natto consumption in Japan have linked menaquinone-7 to bone and cardiovascular health. The correlation of vitamin K to cardiovascular and bone health directly focuses on supporting proper calcium utilization, whereby adequate metabolism of calcium supports arterial and bone health. This is often referred to as the calcium paradox. The calcium paradox is explained simply as getting calcium in the right place (i.e., into the bone structures instead of the arterial vessel walls). These events are dependent upon the synthesis of the vitamin K-dependent proteins osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein in a process called carboxylation. The carboxylation of these proteins is a post-translational step; that is, osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein are translated from their respective messenger RNA and then modified by enzymes to the active forms. These carboxylated forms support the healthy binding and releasing of calcium. This reaction is essential for optimal and healthy utilization of calcium. Vitamin K2 promotes the synthesis of proteins involved with calcium utilization, thereby supporting bone retention and arterial health. While vitamin D supports the healthy regulation and synthesis of osteocalcin, the mineral-binding capacity of this protein requires vitamin K-dependent carboxylation and is thought to be related to bone mineralization. Gas6 is a vitamin K-dependent protein found throughout the nervous system, as well in the heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys and cartilage. Although the exact mechanism of its action has not been determined, Gas6 appears to be a cellular growth regulator involved in cellular activities such as cell adhesion, cell proliferation and protection against apoptosis.*

To purchase, click here or call 727.492.8212