Breaking Research Shows Vitamin D Linked to HDL Cholesterol

Sept. 27, 2009 - PRLog -- Research supported by Shaklee Corporation, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., shows that a lower blood vitamin D level is associated with metabolic syndrome and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The study results were presented at the National Lipid Association Annual Scientific Sessions in Miami, Florida and suggest an important role of vitamin D nutrition for maintaining cardiovascular health.

"I am so proud to be associated with a company whose heritage has always been about improving people's health and well-being. It's very exciting that Shaklee has helped to bring this important research to the world, says Independent Shaklee Distributor, Carol Belanger. "These findings may have significant public health implications related to new understanding about benefits related to vitamin D supplementation.

In this study, intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements was strongly linked with vitamin D levels in the blood. The greater the intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements, the higher the amount of vitamin D found in the blood. More importantly, as vitamin D intakes increased, HDL cholesterol (or "good cholesterol") levels increased as well. Future research is needed to determine if vitamin D from dietary supplements can lower risk levels for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

"Our next study, which is already underway, is intended to confirm causality by showing that vitamin D supplementation improves cardiovascular risk factors," says Dr. Jamie McManus M.D., Chairman of Medical Affairs, Health Sciences and Education, Shaklee Corporation.

Kevin C. Maki, PhD, the study's Principal Investigator and the Chief Science Officer of Provident Clinical Research, Glen Ellyn, IL, says, "Results from population studies suggest that a low serum vitamin D concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, but this is the first study to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and cardiovascular risk factors in a group that includes a large number of vitamin D supplement users." He continues, "Additional research is warranted to assess whether increasing vitamin D intake will improve the metabolic cardiovascular risk factor profile."

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Founded more than 50 years ago, Shaklee has been a leading provider of premium-quality natural nutrition products, personal care products, and environmentally friendly home care products. In 2000, became the first company in the world to be all green!