The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

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  • Recent Comments

    The science of vitamin D

    NutraIngredients.com has a review.

    Here are the highlights.

    2 forms of vitamin D

    • Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors.
      • D2: Also known as ergocalciferol.
      • D3: Also known as cholecalciferol, which is produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation and is more bioactive than D2
    • Both D3 and D2 precursors are metabolized in the liver and kidneys to form 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) — the non-active ‘storage’ form — and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) — the biologically active form.
    • While our bodies manufacture vitamin D on exposure to sunshine, the levels in some northern countries are so weak during the winter months that our body makes no vitamin D at all.
      • Actually, the levels can be low along the equator too.
    • As a result, dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to raise intake of vitamin D.

    The bottom line?

    Science supports maintaining adequate levels. Vitamin D deficiency in adults reported to precipitate or exacerbate the following conditions.

    • Osteopenia
    • Osteoporosis
    • Muscle weakness
    • Fractures
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Infectious diseases
    • Cardiovascular diseases

    There’s also evidence that vitamin D may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer and type-1 diabetes.

    4/1/10 21:17 JR

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