This week, I'd like to discuss the importance of vitamin D. Recent scientific studies indicate that vitamin D deficiency may have a huge impact on health. For example, I just read an impressive study¹ presented last week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Breast Cancer Symposium that I want to share with you. The study found that out of 166 women undergoing treatment for abnormal cellular growth of the breast, almost 70% had low levels of vitamin D in their blood, and more than 2/3 of these women had vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Luke Peppone, one of the study's lead researchers, noted, "The problem is not unexpected because previous studies have shown nearly half of all men and women are deficient in vitamin D."

Along this line, I've reviewed a tremendous amount of data which indicates inadequate vitamin D levels may unfavorably influence other areas of health including immune, cellular, heart and neurological function, bone strength, blood sugar levels, mood, weight and balance. Vitamin D deficiency may also result in muscle pain, poor energy levels and sleep irregularities.

Fortunately, vitamin D levels can be readily replenished and maintained. Food, sun exposure and supplementation are three main sources. A typical glass of vitamin D fortified milk usually contains about 100 IU. Fish is also an excellent source. But unless you're drinking gallons of milk or consuming a lot of fish each day, you're probably not getting enough vitamin D. While adequate sun exposure can provide beneficial doses of vitamin D, there are clear risks associated with getting too much sun.

In my opinion, supplementation is the safest, quickest way to obtain optimal levels of vitamin D. I also feel that the current recommended daily allowances for children and adults are sorely inadequate. I recommend that children take approximately 1,000 IU daily of vitamin D as cholecalciferol, the nutrient's most active form. Most adults can safely consume 2,000 to 4,000 IU daily; I personally take 6,000 IU every day.

NSI® (Nutraceutical Sciences Institute®) offers a number of vitamin D supplements for your entire family. NSI Vitamin D3 provides 2,000 IU per convenient, single-capsule serving. If you prefer vitamin D in liquid form, NSI Vitamin D Drops deliver 2,000 IU of vitamin D per single-drop serving.

Vitamin D is important for the healthy growth and development of your baby. NSI Baby-D's contain 400 IU of vitamin D per easy-to-take, single-drop serving, supporting immunity, healthy bones and teeth, cellular, nerve and colon function, and muscle strength in babies and infants.

The NSI Synergy line of multi-vitamins provides beneficial amounts of vitamin D along with other vital nutrients. Synergy Once-a-Day delivers 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 and includes B vitamins, essential micro-minerals and antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10 and green tea extract. There have been almost 300 customer reviews on this product, with 93% of them saying that they would recommend it to a friend.

Two capsules each day of Synergy Basic deliver 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 along with larger doses of many important nutrients, such as 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid. Six capsules daily of Synergy 3000 provide a comprehensive array of antioxidants, phytonutrients and minerals for only about a dollar a day.

The one thing that I'd like you to take away from today's newsletter is this: Do not become deficient in vitamin D. In my opinion, it is one of the most important nutrients you can take to maintain your good health.

1. Peppone L, Huston A, Skinner K, et al., The effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on 25-OH vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients during treatment, American Society of Clinical Oncology's Breast Cancer Symposium, San Francisco, Presented Thursday, October 8, 2009.

To review all NSI Synergy visit: http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Synergy/