Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Study

1. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Study Reveals Link Between Vitamin D Dietary Supplements and Diabetes

2. Vitamins are organic compounds that are required to sustain a healthy life. Various vitamins are required for different biochemical functions in the body. When they are deficient, the body becomes prone to disease. • Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people in the developed world. The condition is characterised by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inadequate response to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that removes sugar from the bloodstream and stores it in the liver and muscles. • Vitamin D supplement and Type 2 Diabetes

4. Vitamin D deficiency is now recognised as a global health issue. There is evidence to suggest that low serum concentrations of vitamin, such as vitamin D are associated with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Recent studies have reported a link between vitamin D and insulin secretion and insulin resistance, but the mechanism is unclear. One school of thought is that this vitamin D dietary supplement increases insulin sensitivity through the effect on its muscle cell receptors. Vitamin D may play a regulatory role in insulin secretion, beta-cell survival and calcium flux within beta-cells. Other effects include inherited gene polymorphisms, immune system interactions, inflammation, glucose homeostasis, and parathyroid activity. • Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows Vitamin D supplement may help prevent Type 2 Diabetes

5. A recent, Complementary and Alternative Medicine study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology revealed that Vitamin D supplementation might slow the progression of type 2 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients and those with prediabetes. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine study findings suggest that high-dose dietary supplementation of vitamin D can improve glucose metabolism to help prevent the development and progression of diabetes. Thus, if you are pre-disposed to Type 2 Diabetes or have recently been diagnosed with the condition, it is essential to have your blood checked for levels of vitamin D. • As sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, it is essential to spend time outdoors for fresh air and sun exposure. Also, a healthy diet that contains good food sources of Vitamin D is crucial. Foods such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, as well as foods fortified with vitamin D are advised.

7. Traditional medicine has always advocated that vitamins derived from food sources are better than dietary supplements which are synthesised to the exact chemical composition of naturally-occurring vitamins. However, in many instances, if you are deficient in vitamin or mineral, then supplements are a very effective remedy. • There are two primary dietary forms of vitamin D; Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Of the two, D3 (cholecalciferol) seems to be almost twice as effective at increasing blood levels of vitamin D as D2 (ergocalciferol). Both dietary supplements are readily available in the health stores and supermarkets, but the best brands are practitioner-only brands.

9. These are available only from naturopaths, herbalist, Ayurveda practitioners, integrative medicine/healthcare practitioners such as Apple A Day RX. These high-quality brands and are often more effective than the popular brands purchased in health food stores. It is important to note that there is no magic bullet, so a competent and experienced practitioner will provide additional lifestyle and dietary advice. • If you require comprehensive, life changing healthcare advice, then contact Apple A Day RX. • For more information, visit our social media pages like Facebook, Twitter