1. Why Should I Take Vitamin D?
   
   
2. How do I choose the right supplements?
   
   

1.Why Should I Take Vitamin D?
Recently, the Canadian Cancer Society set an unusual precedent by recommending that Canadian adults supplement daily with 1,000 I.U. of vitamin D. This suggestion was based on their investigation of the scientific research supporting this level of supplementation as a preventative against certain forms of cancer, such as breast, prostate, skin, lung, and colon cancer. (www.cancer.ca/css).

It has been know for a long time that vitamin D (vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol) is required for calcium absorption which will aid in overall bone, joint, and dental health. This form of vitamin D is the best absorbed and the form used in the cancer research. Research has also shown that supplementing vitamin D in the winter months, or by those who are not often exposed to sunlight can help alleviate the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) also know as winter depression. Obviously food is a good source, yet to reach this new recommended daily allowance, one would have to consume 5 times more dairy products, and oily fishes, such as salmon, everyday. Short term exposure to sunlight is helpful, but one must balance this with a risk of developing skin melanomas. If one wishes to increase one's intake of vitamin D safely, supplementing with a liquid form of vitamin D3 for the best absorption makes the most sense.

2. How do I choose the right supplements?
Some people get so excited about taking vitamin supplements that they go overboard and begin mega-dosing. Remember supplements are just that and should be in addition to the nutrients obtained from a healthy diet. Taking pills in high doses can actually harm your health. Nutrients work synergistically. This means that simply supplementing with large doses of one may cause imbalance in others. Because the diet includes so many processed and fast foods, we do need supplements. The healthiest ones combine all the enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals and other elements, which work together synergistically. These are called WHOLE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS and are the kind we recommend. Look for a multivitamin that contains all 13 vitamins, and 17 to 22 minerals, with 100% of the daily values. If you are 50 years of age, you will probably need extra antioxidants, extra calcium and vitamin D, sublingual B12, and a digestive enzyme, also you need a high quality omega 3 fat and a phytonutrient powder-AND THAT'S ALL!

Supplements should be well researched and tailored to your specific condition and need. Investing some time in finding out what is best for you is well worth the health benefits you will enjoy as a result of wise and conservative use of high quality supplements.