Further research: Vitamin D and reproductive health

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Kate Saley - courtesy of Vitamin D Council

Research published in the Asian Journal of Andrology aims to explore the association between serum vitamin D levels and semen and hormonal parameters.

Previous animal and human studies have demonstrated the importance of adequate vitamin D status for male and female reproductive health. However, research supporting a specific vitamin D status range for optimal reproductive health has been elusive.

Dr Ahman Hammoud and colleagues recruited 170 healthy men to participate in the study. The population consisted of men 18-67 years, from all ethnic backgrounds.

The participants’ vitamin D status was assessed, as well as hormone and sperm parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, morphology (percent normal sperm head), total sperm count per ejaculate, and total motile sperm count per ejaculate.

The researchers found surprising results. The percent normal sperm head, percent progressive motile sperm, sperm concentration, and total progressive motile sperm count were lower in men with 25(OH)D status ≥50 ng/mL. Men with 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL exhibited lower total sperm count values and lower total progressive motile sperm. The authors found no statistical differences between the mean hormonal values in the different 25(OH)D categories.

The authors note the results suggest a possible inverted ‘U shaped’ relation of vitamin D to sperm parameters.

Dr A Wayne Meikle, MD, co-author of the study states, “We did not expect that high level of vitamin D would adversely affect semen parameters.” In regards to future research on the subject, “There continues to be interest in male reproductive endocrinology and vitamin D. This study might shift further research to reproductive function.”

The authors recognize limitations to the study. Vitamin D deficiency was lower in the study population (12.4%) than for a healthy population. Also, participants provided one semen sample, which doesn’t account for individual variation in semen quality. The researchers conclude,

“The unexpected finding in this study calls for more studies that included larger numbers of participant with more men in either the high or low vitamin D categories and studies of the effect of vitamin D supplementation on semen analysis to demonstrate causality.”

Commentary:

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nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2

 

Key Ingredients Found in nutraMetrix 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 in 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.*


What Makes nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 Unique?
nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports vascular health and calcium utilization. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, heart health and immune support, while working with vitamin K to support normal absorption of calcium and promote healthy arteries. nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D is the first of its kind to deliver both of these powerful vitamins with isotonic delivery.

Vitamin K is included in nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries.
At least two naturally-occurring forms of vitamin K have been identified and are known as K1 and K2. While there are many similarities between these two forms of vitamin K, they are distinguished by their important differences. The most significant difference between K1 and K2 is their chemical structure which results in different pharmacokinetic properties. Vitamin K1 is retained primarily in the liver where, at high doses, it may interfere with the action of warfarin and other anticoagulant medications.  

Vitamin K2 has a different mechanism of action. It is transported primarily to bones and blood vessels. Vitamin K2 helps to maintain bone mass, support calcium utilization and promote elasticity of blood vessels.   

Some studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with anticoagulant medications.* However, most products containing vitamin K (including K1 and/or K2) warn users taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.

Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to obtain maximum absorption of the nutrients. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and rapidly absorb into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.


Frequently Asked Questions about nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:
Why is vitamin K included in nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2?
Vitamin K is included in this product because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to promote healthy calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the delivery of calcium to the bones and helps maintain arterial health.* 
Is nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 safe for people on anticoagulant medications?Some studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with anticoagulant medications. However, most products containing vitamin K (including K1 and/or K2) warn users taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.

How do I take nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2?
Mix one capful of Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 with 2 ounces of water. Take one serving daily.

Is it safe to take more than 1 serving of this product daily?
One serving daily of Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 is recommended. Check with your physician before taking additional daily servings of this product.

Is there a toxicity level for vitamin D?
The recommended daily Upper Limit for vitamin D is 10,000 IU, however, safety studies indicate that up to 40,000 IU may be safe for most people. If you wish to take more than one daily serving of this product, you should check with your physician.

What are dietary sources of vitamin D?
Foods rich in vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel and tuna.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.