MedVitamins VITAMIN D-3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL)

Laboratory studies have found that Vitamin D is actually a complex of ten compounds, each of which can treat rickets. Each complex is individually identified and they are labeled D-1, D-2, etc. The two most important are D-2 and D-3. Vitamin D-2 (Ergocalciferol or its three forms) exists in fungi and yeast and is the form generally added to milk, food, and vitamin supplements. It is the form used to combat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium). Vitamin D-3 (Cholecalciferol) is found in fish oils, egg yolks, and milk. The body produces Vitamin D-3 in the presence of ultraviolet sunlight. Many factors, including smog, fog, smoke, clothes, and glass, can block ultraviolet light and interfere with the production of this vitamin.

Vitamin D has the dual identity of being a fat-soluble vitamin and a hormone. As a vitamin it promotes calcium absorption from the intestines, calcium resorption from the bone, and calcium deposition into osseous tissue. Its active metabolites are produced in two tissues, but have their effects on other tissues, just like other hormones. They also, like other hormones, have a feedback mechanism that controls the rate of synthesis and secretion of Vitamin D's active form.

Various research indicates the importance of Vitamin D as a potential anti-cancer nutrient, proving particularly effective against breast and colon cancer.1 These two cancers occur more frequently in areas with less sunlight, and consequently less Vitamin D-3 production. Breast, lung, colon and cervix tumor cells and leukemia cells contain receptors for Vitamin D. These receptors present an avenue for the vitamin to possibly exert its anti-cancer effects. A synthetic and stronger form of Vitamin D-3 called OCT has been developed for use against cancer. This version contains the anti-cancer properties of the nutrient without the harmful possibility of hypercalcemia.

High doses of Vitamin D have been generally discouraged as side effects can include calcification of soft tissue and kidney failure. It is also speculated that a sustained overconsumption of this vitamin may play a negative part in the escalation of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and decreased magnesium absorption.

The prevalence of rickets, a bone deformity common during the 17th and 18th centuries, led to the discovery of Vitamin D. It was speculated that this disease was caused by lack of sunshine and insufficient diet. Cod liver oil was found to be an effective cure. In 1922 Elmer McCollum identified the curative property in cod liver oil as Vitamin D. It was later learned that this vitamin is essential for the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, which make for strong bones. Deficiency of the nutrient is associated with osteomalacia in adults and celiac disease.

1. Abe J, Nakano T, Nishii Y, et al., A novel vitamin D-3 analog, 22-2oxa-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3, inhibits the growth of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo without causing hypercalcemia. Endocrinology 1991; 129:832-837; and Thomas M, Tebbutt S, Williamson R: Vitamin D and its metabolites inhibit cell proliferation in human rectal mucosa and a colon cancer cell line. Gut 1992; 33:1660-1663.


	VITAMIN D-3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL)
	Laboratory studies have found that Vitamin D is actually a complex of ten compounds, each of which can treat rickets. Each complex is individually identified and they are labeled D-1, D-2, etc. The two most important are D-2 and D-3. Vitamin D-2 (Ergocalciferol or its three forms) exists in fungi and yeast and is the form generally added to milk, food, and vitamin supplements. It is the form used to combat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium). Vitamin D-3 (Cholecalciferol) is found in fish oils, egg yolks, and milk. The body produces Vitamin D-3 in the presence of ultraviolet sunlight. Many factors, including smog, fog, smoke, clothes, and glass, can block ultraviolet light and interfere with the production of this vitamin. Vitamin D has the dual identity of being a fat-soluble vitamin and a hormone. As a vitamin it promotes calcium absorption from the intestines, calcium resorption from the bone, and calcium deposition into osseous tissue. Its active metabolites are produced in two tissues, but have their effects on other tissues, just like other hormones. They also, like other hormones, have a feedback mechanism that controls the rate of synthesis and secretion of Vitamin D's active form. Various research indicates the importance of Vitamin D as a potential anti-cancer nutrient, proving particularly effective against breast and colon cancer.1 These two cancers occur more frequently in areas with less sunlight, and consequently less Vitamin D-3 production. Breast, lung, colon and cervix tumor cells and leukemia cells contain receptors for Vitamin D. These receptors present an avenue for the vitamin to possibly exert its anti-cancer effects. A synthetic and stronger form of Vitamin D-3 called OCT has been developed for use against cancer. This version contains the anti-cancer properties of the nutrient without the harmful possibility of hypercalcemia. High doses of Vitamin D have been generally discouraged as side effects can include calcification of soft tissue and kidney failure. It is also speculated that a sustained overconsumption of this vitamin may play a negative part in the escalation of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and decreased magnesium absorption. The prevalence of rickets, a bone deformity common during the 17th and 18th centuries, led to the discovery of Vitamin D. It was speculated that this disease was caused by lack of sunshine and insufficient diet. Cod liver oil was found to be an effective cure. In 1922 Elmer McCollum identified the curative property in cod liver oil as Vitamin D. It was later learned that this vitamin is essential for the metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, which make for strong bones. Deficiency of the nutrient is associated with osteomalacia in adults and celiac disease. 1. Abe J, Nakano T, Nishii Y, et al., A novel vitamin D-3 analog, 22-2oxa-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3, inhibits the growth of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo without causing hypercalcemia. Endocrinology 1991; 129:832-837; and Thomas M, Tebbutt S, Williamson R: Vitamin D and its metabolites inhibit cell proliferation in human rectal mucosa and a colon cancer cell line. Gut 1992; 33:1660-1663.