Nature Made® Vitamin D Supplements Meet the Needs of Americans

New Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D mark significant progress but individuals' unique needs may call for more

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Nov. 30,2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nature Made applauds the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for the new Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Vitamin D, released today, which represent recommended dietary intake levels of vitamin D for the Americans based on the latest scientific advances in nutrition.  Although these new recommendations show great progress in understanding vitamin D, experts agree that vitamin D needs are unique and should be based on an individual's actual blood levels of the nutrient and while food sources are available, most people do not consume enough dairy or fortified foods to obtain adequate vitamin D.  Nature Made Vitamin D supplements come in a variety of high quality doses to meet a wide range of individual needs.  

Since the IOM first set DRIs for vitamin D back in 1997, there has been a significant amount of research into recommended intake of vitamin D and its health benefits.  In response to this comprehensive research, the IOM has developed new DRIs as Recommend Dietary Allowances for vitamin D.  For children, the DRI has increased from 200 International Units (IU) to 400 IU/day.  For most adults, the DRI has increased to 600 IU and for the older Americans greater than 71 years of age, the recommendation has increased to 800 IU. Finally, the IOM established the Upper Level Intake (UL) as 4,000 IU.  This is the level of intake at which safety is certain even though higher levels of intake may actually be safe.  However, the IOM committee did not feel the evidence supported a UL higher than 4,000 IU.  These updates represent meaningful advances in understanding vitamin D needs and roles in the human body and yet they are highly conservative and may actually underestimate individual needs.

Nature Made…A Quality Source of Vitamin D

Nature Made is the leader in vitamin D dietary supplements and is the first dietary supplement brand to use vitamin D3, the bioactive form of vitamin D, in all D products.  Nature Made is dedicated to unsurpassed quality and purity following Good Manufacturing Practices and recognized by the United States Pharmacopeia and Consumerlab.com.

Nature Made offers a range of vitamin D doses for the specific needs of individuals.  For example, Nature Made produces a chewable, orange-flavored D supplement for children offering 400 IU per tablet.  Nature Made was the first national brand to add 1,000 units of vitamin D to its line and recently added a 2,000 unit supplement as well.  Furthermore, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's population study concluded 5,000 IU per day is required to assure 95% of population has adequate Vitamin D levels.  Based on this conclusion and supporting research, Nature Made released a new vitamin D product offering 5,000 units for people with higher needs and as directed by their physician.

Beyond the DRI:  Identifying Individualized Needs

People not only get vitamin D from the foods and supplements they consume but also from the sun.  Ultraviolet light stimulates production of vitamin D in the skin and so overall vitamin D status can fluctuate among individuals depending on dietary choices, skin color and sun exposure.  In fact, Americans who live in the northern half of the United States are not able to produce adequate vitamin D in the fall and winter months.  This variation in vitamin D levels means that one blanket DRI, no matter how well researched, cannot ensure the best guidance in vitamin D intake for an entire population.  

"Population-based recommendations like the DRIs are important for guiding nutrition policy in general," says Dr. Robert P. Heaney, Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE.  "However, with vitamin D there are special considerations because of the fluctuations in skin production and dietary intake.  These fluctuations in individual needs require that actual blood levels are measured during medical checkups and that the proper supplemental sources are recommended to optimize vitamin D levels." 

Along with Dr. Heaney, many leading vitamin D experts are urging that an individualized approach to vitamin D requirements be implemented at the clinical level.  Vitamin D level tests have increased nearly 90% in 2008 with its deficiency linked to serious health concerns and the cost of testing is nominal and generally covered by insurance.(2)

The Importance of vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is commonly known for its role in supporting strong bones and increasing the absorption of calcium into the body.  Vitamin D is made by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun and can also be found in foods such as fortified milk and cheese, as well as in dietary supplements.  Although fortified foods are popular, most people are still deficient in vitamin D and guard against sun exposure making supplemental vitamin D essential.

"We know that many of our patients already use vitamins and supplements, including vitamin D," said American Academy of Family Physicians Executive Vice President and CEO Douglas Henley, MD. "It is important that patients seek advice and counsel from their family physician on how and when to use these products appropriate to their individual needs."

Despite what the media has reported, the IOM recognizes that dietary supplements are part of how Americans can meet their vitamin D needs.  Vitamin D has many roles that researchers are now better understanding such as its role as a hormone, supporting healthy muscles and immunity, and promoting normal cell function and growth.  

Learn more about choosing vitamins and supplements at www.NatureMade.com.

About Nature Made

Nature Made® vitamins is the number one supplement brand in the food, drug, club and mass channels.  Manufactured by Pharmavite, Nature Made was the first line of dietary supplements to earn a third-party quality seal of approval through the United States Pharmacopeia's Verification Program. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states. Nature Made is a Proud Partner of FamilyDoctor.org, an award-winning website featuring physician-reviewed information on over 900 health and wellness topics provided in English and Spanish, including vitamins and supplements. Visit NatureMade.com for the latest news and offerings.

(1) Nat'l Health and Nutr Exam Survey, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008

(2) www. USAtoday.com 7/14/08

SOURCE Nature Made