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Expression of the multiple sclerosis-associated MHC class II Allele HLA-DRB1*1501 is regulated by vitamin D.\nRamagopalan SV, Maugeri NJ, Handunnetthi L, Lincoln MR, Orton SM, Dyment DA, Deluca GC, Herrera BM, Chao MJ, Sadovnick AD, Ebers GC, Knight JC.\nPLoS Genet. 2009 Feb;5(2):e1000369. Epub 2009 Feb 6.\nPMID: 19197344 [

Heliotherapy improves vitamin D balance and atopic dermatitis. Vähävihu K, Ylianttila L, Salmelin R, Lamberg-Allardt C, Viljakainen H, Tuohimaa P, Reunala T, Snellman E. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jun;158(6):1323-8. Epub 2008 Mar 20. PMID: 18363748 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08518.x CONCLUSIONS: A 2-week course of HT significantly improved vitamin D balance by increasing serum calcidiol concentration, and caused a marked healing of AD. These parallel positive responses should be taken into account when the benefits of HT are considered..

Vitamin D2 is as effective as vitamin D3 in maintaining circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Holick MF, Biancuzzo RM, Chen TC, Klein EK, Young A, Bibuld D, Reitz R, Salameh W, Ameri A, Tannenbaum AD. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar;93(3):677-81. Epub 2007 Dec 18. PMID: 18089691 Conclusion: A 1000 IU dose of vitamin D2 daily was as effective as 1000 IU vitamin D3 in maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and did not negatively influence serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Therefore, vitamin D2 is equally as effective as vitamin D3 in maintaining 25-hydroxyvitamin D status.

Evidence from clinical trials shows, with a wide margin of confidence, that a prolonged intake of 10,000IU/d of vitamin D3 poses no risk of adverse effects for adults, even if this is added to a rather high physiologic background level of vitamin D. Vitamin D and cancer mini-symposium: the risk of additional vitamin D. Vieth R.\nAnn Epidemiol. 2009 Jul;19(7):441-5. Epub 2009 Apr 11. PMID: 19364661 doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2009.01.009

Vitamin D metabolites as clinical markers in autoimmune and chronic disease. Blaney GP, Albert PJ, Proal AD. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Sep;1173:384-90. PMID: 19758177 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04875.x

Assessment of dietary vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation. Hollis BW, Wagner CL. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 May;79(5):717-26. Review. PMID: 15113709 We found that high-dose maternal vitamin D supplementation not only improves the nutritional vitamin D status of breastfeeding infants but also elevates the maternal concentrations into the mid-normal range. Thus, a dual benefit is achieved from high-dose maternal supplementation. It is noteworthy that in the Finnish study, the authors added a disclaimer, "A sufficient supply of vitamin D to the breastfed infant is achieved only by increasing the maternal supplementation up to 2000 IU/d. Such a dose is far higher than the RDA [DRI] for lactating mothers [and therefore] its safety over prolonged periods is not known and should be examined by further study." This point of concern was valid when this study was conducted in 1986 (92); however, on the basis of the current findings of Vieth et al (2) and of Heaney et al (3)-which showed that vitamin D intakes <= 10 000 IU/d (250 µg) are safe for prolonged periods (up to 5 mo)-we believe that it is time to reexamine the understated DRI of vitamin D for lactating mothers. This work is now being conducted in our clinics and laboratory.

Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolk. Handelman GJ, Nightingale ZD, Lichtenstein AH, Schaefer EJ, Blumberg JB. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Aug;70(2):247-51. PMID: 10426702 CONCLUSIONS: Egg yolk is a highly bioavailable source of lutein and zeaxanthin. The benefit of introducing these carotenoids into the diet with egg yolk is counterbalanced by potential LDL-cholesterol elevation from the added dietary cholesterol.

It is not difficult to raise HDLs. This is observed at TYP and in clinical practice ALL THE TIME. Eliminating wheat/d*mn-dirty-GRAINS/carbs, adding some vitamin D, omega-3s, Taurine, and Slo-Niacin 1-2 grams/day. Throwing away the Mazola and any packaged food items. Oh yeah, and add some fat. Individuals may continue their EVO (but not too much b/c it cranks up hepatic lipase, see HERE) but they increase eggs 2-6 daily, add some (organic nitrate-free preferably) bacon and some coconut oil.

We all love barley and mushrooms in soup, so why not use this popular combination in a salad? Toasting the barley in a dry pan before adding water helps to deepen the flavor.

Hemostatic factors and platelet aggregation after a fish-enriched diet or fish oil or docosahexaenoic acid supplementation. Agren JJ, Väisänen S, Hänninen O, Muller AD, Hornstra G. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997 Oct;57(4-5):419-21. PMID: 9430389 doi:10.1016/S0952-3278(97)90421-X    

Vitamin D: the alternative hypothesis. Albert PJ, Proal AD, Marshall TG. Autoimmun Rev. 2009 Jul;8(8):639-44. Epub 2009 Feb 12. Review. PMID: 19393200 Emerging molecular evidence suggests that symptomatic improvements among those administered vitamin D is the result of 25-D's ability to temper bacterial-induced inflammation by slowing VDR activity. While this results in short-term palliation, persistent pathogens that may influence disease progression, proliferate over the long-term.

Carbohydrates or saccharides (Greek sakcharon meaning "sugar") are simple molecules that are straight-chain aldehydes or ketones with many hydroxyl groups added, usually one on each carbon atom that is not part of the aldehyde or ketone functional group.

Imagine a superfood -- not a drug -- powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Did we mention that there are no side effects? You'd surely stock up on a lifetime supply. Guess what? These life-altering superfoods are available right now in your local supermarket.

Heart scan scores starting dropping not just 2%, or 8% . . . but 24%, 30%, 50% and more. We also began to see a larger proportion of people achieving these larger successes. Why? I attribute the surge in success to the addition of vitamin D. With vitamin D added to the mix of strategies in Track Your Plaque, HDL cholesterols went up much higher, LDL dropped further, blood sugars dropped, blood pressures dropped. People felt better, had more energy, gained more clarity in thought. And heart scan scores dropped more readily.

"Some people promote coconut oil as a healthy addition to a weight-loss diet, even though it has higher levels of saturated fat. WebMD Feature Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario Is it possible to add fat to your diet and lose weight? Yes, if it's the right fat, says naturopath Bruce Fife, ND, author of Eat Fat Look Thin. He recommends adding coconut oil and substituting it for polyunsaturated oils to suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and bring about weight loss. "Lots of people have reported that when they add coconut oil to their diet, it was enough to promote weight loss," says Fife. "Some people don't notice a drop in weight, which often means they're simply eating too much. Calories are important." His own experience with coconut oil produced a gradual weight loss over six months of about 20 pounds, which he'd been unable to lose previously through diet and exercise. He advises using about three tablespoons of natural coconut oil, either virgin or processed, daily. His patients use it in place of polyunsaturated fats for stir-frying and salad dressings, add it to other foods, or take it straight. The fat is also present in canned coconut milk (not the liquid inside the coconut), which can be substituted for milk in many recipes, and fresh coconut fruit, which can be eaten as a snack or grated over fruits and salads"

"This non-commercial website features my writings on nutritional topics: natural health, health freedom, dietary supplements/vitamins/herbs, organic & biotech food, poor studies, misleading press, etc. Not intended as nutritional counseling, prescription or treatment of disease. Older articles may contain outdated info. Links to Amazon or Google ads are independent of my content. Copyright 2006-2008 by Neil E. Levin, except as noted. Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA is a nationally board-certified clinical nutritionist with a Diplomate in Advanced Nutritional Laboratory Assessment. He is a professional member of the International & American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists. Neil is a nutrition educator and a dietary supplement formulator. Neil is a member of the Scientific Council of the national Clinical Nutrition Certification Board and is on the board of directors of the Mid-American Health Organization (MAHO), the Midwest regional affiliate of the National Products Association (NPA). In July, 2008, Neil was named an NPA Industry Champion, "an award given to people who have made notable individual contributions to industry above and beyond what is expected to achieve commercial success". Neil is the immediate past president of the not-for-profit Nutrition for Optimal Health Association, Inc. (www.nutrition4health.org) and is Program Chair of the American Nutrition Association. Neil has frequently published in magazines, newspapers and scientific journals and has been on numerous radio and television news programs."

n-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease. Breslow JL. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6 Suppl):1477S-1482S. Review. PMID: 16841857 The results of prospective cohort studies indicate that consuming fish or fish oil containing the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with decreased cardiovascular death, whereas consumption of the vegetable oil-derived n-3 fatty acid {alpha}-linolenic acid is not as effective. Randomized control trials (RCTs) in the context of secondary prevention also indicate that the consumption of EPA plus DHA is protective at doses 3 g/d, EPA plus DHA can improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, including decreasing plasma triacylglycerols, blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and inflammation, while improving vascular reactivity. Mainly on the basis of the results of RCTs, the American Heart Association recommends that everyone eat oily fish twice per week and that those with coronary heart disease eat 1 g/d of EPA plus DHA from oily fish or supplements. Directions for future research include 1) RCTs to confirm the initial trials showing that EPA plus DHA decreases cardiovascular death and additional studies to determine whether this effect is due to EPA, DHA, or the combination; the dosage of the effective components; and whether the mechanism of action in humans is prevention of fatal arrhythmias. 2) Clinical studies to determine whether the reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors is due to EPA, DHA, or the combination and the dosage of the effective components. 3) Clinical studies to determine whether vegetable oil-derived {alpha}-linolenic acid added to a diet enriched in n-6 fatty acids can effectively substitute for fish oil-derived EPA plus DHA.

(NaturalNews) After menopause, women are at increased risk for the bone-weakening condition known as osteoporosis. And women who are diabetic have an even greater chance of developing the disorder. But now comes research from Egyptian scientists that suggests flaxseed oil could be a natural way to protect bone health. The new study, recently published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, concludes that flaxseed oil has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density and reduces markers associated with osteoporosis. Bottom line: supplementing the diet with flaxseed oil could markedly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and be of particular benefit to post-menopausal and diabetic women. Scientist Mer Harvi and colleagues at the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt, investigated the impact of diabetes on bone health. Then in laboratory studies they evaluated how flaxseed oil added to the diet could delay the onset of osteoporosis.

The effect of select nutrients on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels. Mooradian AD, Haas MJ, Wong NC. Endocr Rev. 2006 Feb;27(1):2-16. Epub 2005 Oct 21. Review. PMID: 16243964 One of the factors contributing to the increased risk of developing premature atherosclerosis is low plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDLc). Multiple potential mechanisms account for the cardioprotective effects of HDL and its main protein apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I). The low plasma concentrations of HDL could be the result of increased fractional clearance and reduced expression of apo A-I. To this end, nutrients play an important role in modulating the fractional clearance rate, as well as the rate of apo A-I gene expression. Because medical nutrition therapy constitutes the cornerstone of management of dyslipidemias, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying the changes in HDL level in response to alterations in dietary intake. In this review, we will discuss the effect of select nutrients on serum HDLc and apo A-I levels. Specifically, we will review the literature on the effect of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and ketones, as well as some of the nutrient-related metabolites, such as glucosamine and the prostanoids, on apo A-I gene expression. Because there are multiple mechanisms involved in the regulation of serum HDLc levels, changes in gene transcription do not necessarily correlate with clinical observations on serum levels of HDLc.

"Tuesday, December 15, 2009 Overweight, hungry, diabetic, and fat-free Let me tell you about my low-fat experience from 20 years ago. At the time, I was living in Cleveland, Ohio, and served on the faculty at a large metropolitan university-affiliated hospital, supervising fellows-in-training and developing high-tech cath lab procedures like directional athererectomy and excimer laser coronary angioplasty. (Yes, another life.) I was concerned about personal heart disease risk, though I knew next to nothing about lipids and coronary risk prediction outside of the little I learned in training and what the drug industry promoted. I heard Dr. Dean Ornish talk while attending the American College of Cardiology meetings in Atlanta. Dr. Ornish spoke persuasively about the dangers of fat in the diet and how he "reversed" coronary disease using a low-fat, no added oils, no meat, vegetarian diet that included plenty of whole grains. So I thought I'd give it a try. I eliminated all oils; I removed all meat, eggs, and fish from my diet. I shunned all nuts. I ate only low-fat products like low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese; and focused on vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Beans and brown or wild rice were a frequent staple. I loved oatmeal cookies--low-fat, of course! After one year of this low-fat program, I had gained a total of 31 lbs, going from 155 lbs to 186 lbs. I reassessed some basic labs: HDL 28 mg/dl Triglycerides 336 mg/dl Blood sugar 151 mg/dl (fasting) I became a diabetic. All through this time, I was also jogging. I ran on the beautiful paths along the Chagrin River in suburban Cleveland for miles north and south. I ran 5 miles per day most days of the week. "