Fighting the Flu and More

These two doctors give their guidelines Vitamin D, as well as some product ideas. Check them out.

Thoughts from Cannell and Dowd
Dr. John Cannell, Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council, appears in this story. Dr. James Dowd, author of the Vitamin D Cure, has appeared in other CBN News stories. They suggest that healthy levels will help avoid most colds and flu for the majority of the population. That's according to the research and their clinical observations. Cannell says that vitamin D deficiency is “a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more."

If you miss a day or two of supplements, you can catch up. That doesn’t work with sunshine as you will probably sunburn and not make more D with extended time in the sun.

Dr. Dowd: General Guidelines
Dr. Dowd’s basic guidelines are very simple. Take 25 IU per pound of body weight. Of course, he says pay attention to individual differences and situations that will adjust that figure. Both doctors say it is good to have a vitamin D blood test so you know where you are. See if your doctor will order a test for you. 

Dr. Cannell on Infants and Children
Dr. John Cannell recommends that children one and under should get 1,000 IU per day from a combination of infant formula, sun exposure, and supplements. Since some doctors worry about the tender skin of little ones, you may have to depend on the total from supplements and formula until weaning. For them, the liquid forms (see below) may be best put in the mouth (or in food) with a dropper.  For a child to get enough from breastfeeding, Cannell suggests the mothers may have to take around 4,000 to 6,000 IU daily.

For children between 1 through 3, Cannell suggests 1,500 IU daily – “depending on body weight, latitude or residence, skin pigmentation, and sun exposure.” For children 4 to 9, his recommendations rise to 2,000 IU daily. He says if children get significant time (15-30 minutes) in the sun, they needn’t take any on that day; however in winter a daily dose is usually crucial.  From age 10 on, he says follow adult guidelines.

Dr. Cannell on Adults
First, he says if you have vitamin D deficiency or the diseases of vitamin D deficiency, you need to be under the care of a physician.  Of course, if you get a vitamin D test you will have a snapshot of your levels. If you’re low, your doctor will monitor your progress to get you up to speed.

If you don’t wish to see a physician or can’t find a good one, he proposes that you take 2,000 IU daily. Plus, if you don’t get any sun, take more, perhaps 3,000 per day. In addition, the darker your skin, the farther north you live, and the more you weigh – the more likely you’ll need to increase that 2,000 baseline. That’s generally speaking.

More of Dr. Cannell’s recommendations are at the treatment page of his website. Do your homework and look at Cannell’s website or Dowd’s.

-------

Vitamin D Products shown in this story:

Biotics Research Corp. (emulsion/liquid)
Product Names: Bio-D-Mulsion, Bio-D-Mulsion Forte
Toll free phone for health professionals only: (800) 231-5777

• Bio-D-Mulsion is a one fluid ounce bottle with 400 IU per drop.
• Bio-D-Mulsion Forte contains one fluid ounce with 2000 IU per drop.
• 750 servings per bottle.
• Emulsion form is believed to help absorption.
• Products are available through health care practitioners.

Bio-Tech Pharmacal
Product Name: Bio-Tech Pharmacal
Toll free number: (800) 345-1199

• Small and large bottles with capsules in 1,000 IU, 5,000 IU, 50,000 IU varieties.
• Pharmaceutical-grade facility using FDA standards "specializing in high quality hypoallergenic products, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals."
• Their vitamin D products are being used in current research studies.

Carlson Labs
Products: Solar D Gems 2000 IU and 4,000 IU
Toll free number: (888) 234-5656

• These products contain 115 mg. doses of omega-3 oil.
• Omega-3 oil is believed to help the body make better use of vitamin D.
• 2000 and 4000 IU pills reflect the trend toward higher doses.
• Respected, family-owned company in business for over 40 years.

Now Foods
Products include: Vitamin D-3 1000 IU and 2000 IU, Vitamin D-3 & K-2
Toll free number: (888) 669-3663

• One of the largest supplement companies with broad selection and competitive prices.
• Vitamin D-3 & K-2 product is 1000 IU of D and 45 micrograms of vitamin K2. Vitamin K is increasingly appreciated for its role in bone and circulatory health. Specifically vitamin K2 helps calcium go into your bones instead of clogging up your blood vessels.
• Recently presented with presidential award for contributions to the increase of US exports.

Pure Encapsulations  (liquid and capsules)
Product: Vitamin D3 Liquid
Toll free phone for health professionals only: (800) 753-2277

• Over 800 doses of 1,000 IU per 1 oz. bottle.
• Also have 1,000 IU and 5,000 IU capsules.
• Company was founded to "create the highest quality hypoallergenic supplements."
• Consumers can request these products through their physicians or health care professionals.