Vitamin D and fertility in men and women

Vitamin D and fertility in men and women
January 30, 2012 -- Dr John Cannell

Every year, billions are spent in fertility clinics; the result of which is often in vitro fertilization (IVF). About 5 years ago, I began receiving emails from a nurse practitioner in Indiana who works in a fertility clinic. Her experience was dramatic; 5,000 IU/day for both the man and woman frequently resulted in a healthy baby. However, her last email to me was quite sad, she was in danger of losing her job as her boss, a gynecologist, was losing money due to vitamin D. He ordered her to stop advocating it or lose her job.

Today, the Daily Mail and several other newspapers reviewed a lengthy article in The European Journal of Endocrinology that concluded, “Given the high prevalence of infertility as well as vitamin D insufficiency in otherwise healthy young women and men and the possible role of vitamin D in human reproduction, research might lead to new therapeutic approaches such as vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of female and male reproductive disorders.”

Critical to this carefully caged advice is the fact that men need help as frequently as the women do. “Population-based studies found that in 30-40% of infertile couples the underlying cause is the male factor. In this context it should be mentioned that the overall semen quality of men is decreasing, which might partly be explained by environmental factors. Indeed, as much as 20% of young men have sperm concentration below the WHO recommendation level and 40% present with sperm concentrations below a level that is considered optimal for fertility.” Pretty amazing, especially when you realize these men have normal testosterone levels but that vitamin D levels are steadily decreasing.

Elisabeth Lerchbaum and Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch Vitamin D and fertility-a systematic review. European Journal of Endocrinology January 30, 2012

The authors go onto say, “In northern countries, where a strong seasonal contrast in luminosity (sunshine intensity) exists, the conception rate is decreased during the dark winter months, whereas a peak in conception rate during summer leading to a maximum in birth rate in spring has been observed. Moreover, ovulation rates and endometrial receptivity seem to be reduced during long dark winters in northern countries.”

While no direct studies exist of vitamin D levels and fertility per se, the authors report, “In a study among 84 infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization, women with higher levels of 25(OH)D in serum and follicular fluid were significantly more likely to achieve clinical pregnancy following in vitro fertilization . . .”

If you don’t want to work your way through the entire 42 page paper, read the excellent synopsis in the Daily Mail below.

Carey T. Sunny break may be alternative to in vitro fertilization: How the sunshine vitamin can help boost fertility. Daily Mail Online, January 30, 2012.

The takeaway message is the same as always, a message so common I should just start saying “ditto.” If you want to get pregnant, make sure you and your partner take 5,000 IU/day. If you don’t want to get pregnant, make sure you and your partner are on 5,000 IU/day plus a reliable method of birth control. I take no responsibility for surprise pregnancies.

Learn About Isotonix®

The World’s Most Advanced Nutraceuticals

What does isotonic mean?

Broken down to its roots, iso means 'the same' and tonic means 'pressure or tone.' When used to describe solutions that are meant for consumption, isotonic means having the same fluid pressure as body fluids. Tears, blood plasma, lymph and other body fluids are all isotonic. When we ingest food, gastric (stomach) juice is secreted onto the food, and muscular contractions of the stomach mix the contents until a reasonably uniform solution is achieved. The solutions of food (chyme) that enter the small intestine for absorption are made isotonic by the action of the stomach in a time-consuming process. The fluid pressure of food or isotonic solutions across semipermeable membranes, such as the walls of the small intestine, is generally referred to as having a particular osmolality or tonicity. Osmolality is measured in units referred to as milliosmoles/kilogram of water (mOsm/kg). It can be said that when solutions on opposite sides of a membrane have the same osmolality, they are iso-osmotic or isotonic. Normal human blood serum (the fluid portion without cells and platelets) has an osmolality of 288 mOsm/kg, as do most other fluids in the body. Therefore, in physiological terms, when a solution's osmolality is the same, or nearly the same, as that of normal human blood serum, it is referred to as isotonic.

Concentration and absorption

Concentration and absorption are factors that go hand in hand for the proper use of nutritional supplements. Concentration - the amount of nutrient dissolved in a given amount of a solvent such as water or stomach fluid - is usually directly related to the efficiency of nutrient absorption. This is especially true in the process of passive diffusion. Passive diffusion works when the concentration of nutrients in the lumen of the small intestine is higher than the concentration inside the intestinal cells.

The nutrients "flow"down from the gradient from high to low concentration. Since Isotonix products experience little dilution in the gastrointestinal tract, they arrive at the absorption sites in high concentration and ensure efficient absorption.

Because of their physiological character, Isotonix solutions undergo very little dilution in the body before they reach the absorption sites. They are the ideal vehicle for rapid nutrient utilization. Isotonix are the world's most advanced nutraceuticals.

Why is gastric (stomach) emptying time so important?

The longer a supplement stays in the stomach, the longer the time before absorption can begin, because no appreciable absorption occurs from the stomach. Often the rate-limiting step in the absorption process is the time it takes for the tablet or capsule to disintegrate, and the nutrients to dissolve and equilibrate to the proper (isotonic) state to leave the stomach. When all this has been completed — up to 40 minutes after ingestion — the diluted, acid-attacked nutrients can enter the small intestine for absorption.

Why is gastric emptying time stressed when talking about Isotonix?

Nutrients that are already isotonic do not need to be broken down into an isotonic state. Therefore, gastric emptying occurs more rapidly. Biological sensors in the gastrointestinal tract detect that the ingested solution is isotonic and at a correct pH. This causes the pyloric valve at the lower end of the stomach to remain open, allowing the concentrated solution to be squirted into the small intestine by stomach contractions. Absorption of the nutrients by the intestinal mucosa then starts to occur.

Isotonix Delivery System

Isotonix products are formulated with the proper balance of fructose, d-glucose, citric acid, potassium bicarbonate and other key ingredients to assure that they are isotonic when properly prepared. This combination of ingredients is necessary to maintain the flavor, isotonic character, pH and delivery efficiency of these nutritional supplements. Normally, when you ingest a daily vitamin or nutritional supplement tablet, your body must work for up to four hours digesting and absorbing the vitamins and nutrients. During this lengthy breakdown process, a percentage of the nutritive value is lost. But because Isotonix products are powders, none of the fillers, binders, coatings and lubricants that are common to tablet manufacturing are necessary. There are no gelatin capsules or fillers. As a result, the amount of time and work necessary to absorb a supplement is greatly decreased.

If You Take Oral Vitamin D You MUST Avoid Making this Serious Mistake

By Dr. Mercola

Did you know there are two types of vitamin D, and they are NOT interchangeable?

In fact, taking the wrong one could do you more harm than good...

Drisdol is a synthetic form of vitamin D2—made by irradiating fungus and plant matter—and is the form of vitamin D typically prescribed by doctors.

This is not the type produced by your body in response to sun or safe tanning bed exposure, which is vitamin D3.

A recent meta-analysis by the Cochrane Database looked at mortality rates for people who supplemented their diets with D2 versus those who did so with D3, the form naturally produced by your body, highlighting the significant differences between the two.

The analysis of 50 randomized controlled trials, which included a total of 94,000 participants, showed:

• A six percent relative risk reduction among those who used vitamin D3, but
• A two percent relative risk increase among those who used D2

According to the Vitamin D Council:

"You would think a paper that took a look at tens of thousands of subjects and analyzed the efficacy of prescription vitamin D (D2) and over-the-counter vitamin D (D3) would warrant a news story or two.

To my knowledge, these papers are the first to paint such a clear picture about the efficacy between D3 and D2.

While there may be explanations for D3's superiority other than improved efficacy, for the time being, these papers send doctors a message: use D3, not D2."

The Difference Between Supplemental Vitamin D2 and D3

The notion that vitamin D2 and D3 were equivalent was based on decades-old studies of rickets prevention in infants. Today, we know a lot more about vitamin D, and the featured study offers compelling support for the recommendation to take vitamin D3 if you need to take an oral supplement—which is the same type of D vitamin created in your body when you expose your skin to sunlight.

Supplemental vitamin D comes in two forms:

1. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)
2. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)

I personally recommend getting your vitamin D from sun exposure (or a safe tanning bed), as there's compelling reason to believe the vitamin D created in your skin in response to sun exposure has some slight but important differences that make it even more beneficial than supplemental vitamin D3. I will address this more in just a moment, but first, let's review the differences between the two types of supplemental vitamin D. Aside from the featured findings that supplemental vitamin D3 reduced the relative mortality risk by six percent, while D2 actually INCREASED mortality risk by two percent, the two types differ in the following ways:

• According to the latest research, D3 is approximately 87 percent more potent in raising and maintaining vitamin D concentrations and produces 2- to 3-fold greater storage of vitamin D than does D2.
• Regardless of which form you use, your body must convert it into a more active form, and vitamin D3 is converted 500 percent faster than vitamin D2.
• Vitamin D2 also has a shorter shelf life, and its metabolites bind poorly with proteins, further hampering its effectiveness.

What about Dietary Sources? Animal-Based versus Plant-Based Vitamin D

Aside from taking an oral vitamin D supplement, you can also obtain small amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Here too, it's important to realize that not all food sources provide the same kind of vitamin D. Plant sources provide you with D2. The more beneficial D3 can only be had through animal-based sources such as:

• Fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines
• Egg yolk
• Raw milk

Dairy processors producing pasteurized milk have also been fortifying milk with vitamin D since 1933. Today, about 98 percent of the milk supply in the US is fortified with approximately 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per quart. While dairies used to fortify their milk with vitamin D2, most have now switched over to D3. But, if you still drink pasteurized milk (which I don't recommend), check the label to see which form of vitamin D has been added. (If you drink raw milk, then you're getting the naturally-occurring vitamin D in the milk fat.) Keep in mind that although milk is fortified, other dairy products such as cheese and ice cream does typically not contain added vitamin D.

Vitamin D Can Make or Break Your Health, So Get the Right Kind!

There's overwhelming evidence that vitamin D is a key player in your overall health. This is understandable when you consider that it is not "just" a vitamin; it's actually a neuroregulatory steroidal hormone that influences nearly 3,000 different genes in your body. Receptors that respond to the vitamin have been found in almost every type of human cell, from your brain to your bones.

Just one example of an important gene that vitamin D up-regulates is your ability to fight infections, as well as chronic inflammation. It produces over 200 antimicrobial peptides, the most important of which is cathelicidin, a naturally occurring broad-spectrum antibiotic. This is one of the explanations for why it can be so effective against colds and influenza.

Optimizing your vitamin D levels should be at the top of the list for virtually everyone, regardless of your age, sex, color, or health status, as vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an astonishingly diverse array of common chronic diseases, such as:

Cancer	Hypertension	Heart disease
Autism	Obesity	Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes 1 and 2	Multiple Sclerosis	Crohn's disease
Cold & Flu	Inflammatory Bowel Disease	Tuberculosis
Septicemia	Signs of aging	Dementia
Eczema & Psoriasis	Insomnia	Hearing loss
Muscle pain	Cavities	Periodontal disease
Osteoporosis	Macular degeneration	Reduced C-section risk
Pre eclampsia	Seizures	Infertility
Asthma	Cystic fibrosis	Migraines
Depression	Alzheimer's disease	Schizophrenia

The IDEAL Way to Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels

While this article is focused on the two types of oral vitamin D supplementation, it's important to realize that the IDEAL way to optimize your vitamin D levels is through appropriate sun or safe tanning bed exposure. While your skin does create vitamin D3 in response to sun light, which is theoretically the same as the D3 you get from an oral supplement, there's cause to believe that the vitamin D created from sun exposure may have additional health benefits, and here's why:

• When you expose your skin to the sun, your skin also synthesizes high amounts of cholesterol sulfate, which is very important for heart- and cardiovascular health. In fact, according to research by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, high LDL and subsequent heart disease may in fact be a symptom of cholesterol sulfate deficiency. Sulfur deficiency also promotes obesity and related health problems like diabetes
• When exposed to sunshine, your skin also synthesizes vitamin D3 sulfate. This form of vitamin D is water soluble, unlike oral vitamin D3 supplements, which is unsulfated. The water-soluble form can travel freely in your bloodstream, whereas the unsulfated form needs LDL (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) as a vehicle of transport. According to Dr. Stephanie Seneff, there's reason to believe that many of the profound benefits of vitamin D are actually due to the vitamin D sulfate. As a result, she suspects that the oral non-sulfated form of vitamin D might not provide all of the same benefits, because it cannot be converted to vitamin D sulfate
• You cannot overdose when getting your vitamin D from sun exposure, as your body has the ability to self-regulate and only make what it needs

So essentially, getting regular sun exposure has much greater health ramifications than "just" raising your vitamin D levels and preventing infections. Sun exposure also appears to play a role in heart- and cardiovascular health, and much more!

If you cannot get your vitamin D requirements from sun exposure, I recommend using a safe tanning bed (one with electronic ballasts rather than magnetic ballasts, to avoid unnecessary exposure to EMF fields). Safe tanning beds also have less of the dangerous UVA than sunlight, while unsafe ones have more UVA than sunlight. If neither of these are feasible options, then you should take an oral vitamin D3 supplement. It will certainly be better than no vitamin D at all.

How Much Vitamin D Should You Take?

Some 40 leading vitamin D experts from around the world currently agree that there's no specific dosage level at which "magic" happens; rather the most important factor when it comes to vitamin D is your serum level (the level of vitamin D in your blood). So you really should be taking whatever dosage required to obtain a therapeutic level of vitamin D in your blood.

That said, based on the most recent research by GrassrootsHealth—an organization that has greatly contributed to the current knowledge on vitamin D through their D* Action Study—it appears as though most adults need about 8,000 IU's of vitamin D a day in order to raise their serum levels above 40 ng/ml. For children, many experts agree they need about 35 IU's of vitamin D per pound of body weight.

At the time GrassrootsHealth performed the studies that resulted in this dosage recommendation, the optimal serum level was believed to be between 40 to 60 ng/ml. Since then, the optimal vitamin D level has been raised to 50-70 ng/ml, and when treating cancer or heart disease, as high as 70-100 ng/ml, as illustrated in the chart above.

What this means is that even if you do not regularly monitor your vitamin D levels (which you should), your risk of overdosing is going to be fairly slim even if you take as much as 8,000 IU's a day. However, the only way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested regularly, and adjust your dosage to maintain that goldilocks' zone.

This Mercola article is exactly why I strongly recommend Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2. It may be the most cost effective supplement you can add to your daily regimen. For about $1 a day, you can add 5,000 IU of Isotonic Vitamin D3.

Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2

Key Ingredients found in Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): 5000 IU

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in some foods and endogenously produced when sunlight strikes the skin and activates vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D promotes the efficient intestinal absorption of calcium, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum by supporting the synthesis of calcium-binding proteins to promote normal calcium absorption and retention. Vitamin D also promotes the normal formation of bone and normal bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by factors such as lack of exposure to sunlight, reduced skin synthesis of vitamin D, lower dietary intake, impaired intestinal absorption, and reduced metabolism to active forms of vitamin D by the kidneys, all of which increase with aging. Deficiency has been linked to numerous health concerns, and insufficient levels of this vitamin are associated with weak bones and muscle weakness. In addition to promoting strong bones, vitamin D also has other roles in health, including supporting the body’s normal modulation of neuromuscular function and immune function. Vitamin D has been shown to support immune-modulation, and it is thought that supplementation promotes immune health by promoting the body’s normal regulation of T-cell function. In reference to cellular health, Vitamin D supports the modulation of many genes that are responsible for encoding proteins that regulate normal cell cycle activity. Vitamin D levels have been strongly correlated to healthy cells. Lastly, through its interaction with VDR (vitamin D receptor), vitamin D supports the healthy expression of the gene encoding renin, thus helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.*

Vitamin K2: 45 mcg

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found meat, eggs, dairy and natto. Although a fat-soluble vitamin, the body stores very little K2, and its stores are rapidly depleted without regular dietary intake. Natural vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), is the most bioavailable form of K2 and has the longest half-life in the blood of any form of vitamin K. The Japanese soy food natto is particularly rich in menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Studies of natto consumption in Japan have linked menaquinone-7 to bone and cardiovascular health. The correlation of vitamin K to cardiovascular and bone health directly focuses on supporting proper calcium utilization, whereby adequate metabolism of calcium supports arterial and bone health. This is often referred to as the calcium paradox. The calcium paradox is explained simply as getting calcium in the right place (i.e., into the bone structures instead of the arterial vessel walls). These events are dependent upon the synthesis of the vitamin K-dependent proteins osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein in a process called carboxylation. The carboxylation of these proteins is a post-translational step; that is, osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein are translated from their respective messenger RNA and then modified by enzymes to the active forms. These carboxylated forms support the healthy binding and releasing of calcium. This reaction is essential for optimal and healthy utilization of calcium. Vitamin K2 promotes the synthesis of proteins involved with calcium utilization, thereby supporting bone retention and arterial health. While vitamin D supports the healthy regulation and synthesis of osteocalcin, the mineral-binding capacity of this protein requires vitamin K-dependent carboxylation and is thought to be related to bone mineralization. Gas6 is a vitamin K-dependent protein found throughout the nervous system, as well in the heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys and cartilage. Although the exact mechanism of its action has not been determined, Gas6 appears to be a cellular growth regulator involved in cellular activities such as cell adhesion, cell proliferation and protection against apoptosis.*

Scientific Studies Which Support Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:

· Knapen M et al. Vitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International. 18(7):963-72, 2007.

· Shiraki, M., et al. Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. Journal of Bone & Mineral Research. 15:515-522, 2000.

· Hiruma Y et al. Vitamin K(2) and geranylgeraniol, its side chain component, inhibited osteoclast formation in a different manner. Biochemical Biophysical Research Communications. 314(1):24-30, 2004.

· Plaza S and Lamson D. Vitamin K2 in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 10(1):24-35, 2005. Review.

· Kameda T et al. Vitamin K2 inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption by inducing osteoclast apoptosis. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 220(3):515-519, 1996.

· Taira H et al. Menatetrenone (vitamin K2) acts directly on circulating human osteoclast precursors. Calcified Tissue International. 73(1):78-85, 2003.
Hidaka T et al. Treatment for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis who have been placed on HRT and show a decrease in bone mineral density: effects of concomitant administration of vitamin K(2). Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism. 20(4):235-239, 2002.

· Iwamoto J et al. Effects of vitamin K2 on osteoporosis. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 10(21):2557-2576, 2004.

· Iwamoto J et al. Treatment with vitamin D3 and/or vitamin K2 for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The Keio Journal of Medicine. 2003 Sep;52(3):147-50. Review.

· Neogi, T., et al. Low vitamin K status is associated with osteoarthritis in the hand and knee. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 54(4):1255-1261, 2006.
Price P. Role of vitamin K-dependent proteins in bone metabolism. Annual Review of Nutrition. 8:565-583, 1988.

· Bekner K. The vitamin K-dependent carboxylase. Journal of Nutrition. 130(8):1877-1880, 2000.

· Nelsestuen G et al. Vitamin K-dependent proteins. Vitamins and Hormones. 58:355-389, 2000.

· Shearer M. Role of vitamin K and Gla proteins in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and vascular calcification. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 3(6):433-438, 2000.

· Gundberg C et al. Vitamin K status and bone health: an analysis of methods for determination under carboxylated osteocalcin. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 83(9):3258-3266, 1998.

· Weber P. Management of osteoporosis: is there a role for vitamin K? International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. 67(5):350-6, 1997.

· Garber, A. K., et al. Comparison of phylloquinone bioavailability from food sources or a supplement in human subjects. Journal of Nutrition. 129(6):1201-1203, 1999.

· Binkley N et al. Vitamin K nutrition and osteoporosis. Journal of Nutrition. 125(7):1812-1821, 1995.

· Bischoff-Ferrari Het al. Fracture prevention with vitamin D supplementation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JAMA. 293(18):2257-2264, 2005.

· Guirguis-Blake J et al. Oral vitamin D3 decreases fracture risk in the elderly. Journal of Family Practice. 52(6):431-435, 2003.

· Schaafsma, A., et al. Vitamin D3 and vitamin K1 supplementation of Dutch postmenopausal women with normal and low bone mineral densities: effects on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and carboxylated osteocalcin. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 54:626-631, 2000.

· Trivedi Det al. Effect of four monthly oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on fractures and mortality in men and women living in the community: randomised double blind controlled trial. British Medical Journal. 326(7387):469, 2003.

· Van den Berghe G et al. Bone turnover in prolonged critical illness: effect of vitamin D. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 88(10):4623-4632, 2003.

· Chapuy M et al. Vitamin D3 and calcium to prevent hip fractures in the elderly women. New England Journal of Medicine. 327(23):1637-1642, 1992.

· Grant W and Holick M. Benefits and requirements of vitamin D for optimal health. Alternative Medicine Review. 10:94-111, 2005.

· Plaza S and Lamson D. Vitamin K2 in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 10(1):24-35, 2005. Review.

· Zitterman A et al. Low vitamin D status: a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure? Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 41(1):105-112, 2003.

· Schleithoff S et al. Vitamin D supplementation improves cytokine profiles in patients with congestive heart failure: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 83(4):754-759, 2006.
Argiles A et al. Blood pressure is correlated with vitamin D(3) serum levels in dialysis patients. Blood Purification. 20(4):370-375, 2002.

· Kristal-Boneh E et al. Association of calcitriol and blood pressure in normotensive men. Hypertension. 30(5):1289-1294, 1997.

· Li Y et al. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) is a negative endocrine regulator of the renin-angiotensin system. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 110(2):229-238, 2002.

· Li Y et al. Vitamin D regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Journal of Cell Biochemistry. 88(2):327-331, 2003.

· Li Y et al. Vitamin D: a negative endocrine regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 89-90(1-5):387-392, 2004.

· Pfeifer M et al. Effects of a short-term vitamin D(3) and calcium supplementation on blood pressure and parathyroid hormone levels in elderly women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 86(4):1633-1637, 2001.

· Sigmund C. Regulation of renin expression and blood pressure by vitamin D(3). Journal of Clinical Investigation. 110(2):155-156, 2002.
Vasquez A et al. The clinical importance of vitamin D (cholecalciferol): a paradigm shift with implications for all healthcare providers. Alternative Therapies. 10(5):28-38, 2004.

· Nimptsch K et al. Dietary intake of vitamin K and risk of prostate cancer in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 87:985-992, 2008.

· Habu D et al. Role of vitamin K2 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in women with viral cirrhosis of the liver. JAMA. 292(3):358-361, 2004.

· Yoshida T et al. Apoptosis induction of vitamin K2 in lung carcinoma cell lines: the possibility of vitamin K2 therapy for lung cancer. International Journal of Oncology. 23(3):627-632, 2003.

· Lamson D and Plaza S. The anticancer effects of vitamin K. Alternative Medicine Review. 8(3):303-18, 2003.
Yokoyama T et al. Combination of vitamin K2 plus imatinib mesylate enhances induction of apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cell lines. International Journal of Oncology. 26(1):33-40, 2005.

· Chlebowski R et al. Vitamin K in the treatment of cancer. Cancer Treatment Review. 12:49-63, 1985.

· Lamson D et al. The anticancer effects of vitamin K. Alternative Medicine Review. 8(3):303-318, 2003.

· Hitomi M et al. Antitumor effects of vitamins K1, K2 and K3 on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. International Journal of Oncology. 26(3):713-720, 2005.

· Nouso K et al. Regression of hepatocellular carcinoma during vitamin K administration. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 11(42):6722-6724, 2005.

· Blackmore K et al. Vitamin D from dietary intake and sunlight exposure and the risk of hormone-receptor-defined breast cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology. 168(8):915-24, 2008.

· Deluca H et al. Vitamin D: its role and uses in immunology. FASEB Journal. 15(14):2579-2585, 2001.
Adorini L. Immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D receptor ligands in autoimmune diseases. International Immunopharmacology. 2(7):1017-1028, 2002.

· Cantorna M et al. Mounting evidence for vitamin D as an environmental factor affecting autoimmune disease prevalence. Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood). 229(11):1136-1142, 2004.

· Cantorna M. Vitamin D and autoimmunity: is vitamin D status an environmental factor affecting autoimmune disease prevalence? Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 223:230-233, 2000.

· Garland C et al. The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. American Journal of Public Health. 96(2):252-61, 2006.

· Giovannucci E et al. Prospective study of predictors of vitamin D status and cancer incidence and mortality in men. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 98(7):451-459, 2006.

· Holick, M. Vitamin D: Its role in cancer prevention and treatment. Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology. 92(1):49-59, 2006.

· Gorham E et al. Vitamin D and prevention of colorectal cancer. Journal Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 97(1-2):179-94, 2005.

· Grant W et al. Reviews: A critical review of studies on vitamin D in relation to colorectal cancer. Nutrition and Cancer. 48(2):115-123, 2004.

· Harris D et al. Vitamin D and colon carcinogenesis. Journal of Nutrition. 134(12):3463S-3471S, 2004.

· Hayes C et al. The immunological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system. Cellular and Molecular Biology. 49(2):277-300, 2003.

What makes Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 product unique?

Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports vascular health and calcium utilization. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, heart health and immune support while working with vitamin K to support normal absorption of calcium and promote healthy arteries. Isotonix Vitamin D is the first of its kind to deliver both of these powerful vitamins with isotonic delivery.

Vitamin K is included in Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries.

At least two naturally occurring forms of vitamin K have been identified and are known as K1 and K2. While there are many similarities between these two forms of vitamin K, they are distinguished by their important differences. The most significant difference between K1 and K2 is their chemical structure, which results in different pharmacokinetic properties. Vitamin K1 is retained primarily in the liver where, at high doses, it may interfere with the action of warfarin and other anticoagulant medications.

Vitamin K2 has a different mechanism of action. It is transported primarily to bones and blood vessels. Vitamin K2 helps to maintain bone mass, support calcium utilization and promote elasticity of blood vessels.

Some studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with anticoagulant medications.* However, most products containing vitamin K (including K1 and/or K2) warn users taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.

Related terms: vitamin D, vitamin K, bone health, cardiovascular health, immune support, D3, K2

Frequently Asked Questions about Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:

Why is vitamin K included in Isotonix^® Vitamin D with K2?

Vitamin K is included in this product because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to promote healthy calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the delivery of calcium to the bones and helps maintain arterial health.*

Is Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 safe for people on anti-coagulant medications?

Some studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with anticoagulant medications. However, most products containing vitamin K (including K1 and/or K2) warn users taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.

How do I take Isotonix Vitamin D with K2?

Mix one capful of Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 with 2 ounces of water. Take one serving daily.

Is it safe to take more than one serving of this product daily?

One serving daily of Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 is recommended. Check with your physician before taking additional daily servings of this product.

Is there a toxicity level for vitamin D?

The recommended daily Upper Limit for vitamin D is 10,000 IU, however, safety studies indicate that up to 40,000 IU may be safe for most people. If you wish to take more than one daily serving of this product, you should check with your physician.

What are dietary sources of vitamin D?

Foods rich in vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel and tuna.

For more information:

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Rare Business Opportunities for those ages 18-29

Opportunity For GenY Prospects at World Conference

on January 26, 2012

Please read the following message carefully as this is a great opportunity for us to capitalize on the excitement and energy of World Conference to grow our business! Also, please find a timely message from one of our fastest growing Generation Y UnFranchise owners, Cheyn Crangle. You can also find an updated MAWC Agenda.

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In an effort to capitalize on your attendance and the excitement of the 2012 World Conference for the purpose of attracting Generation Y prospects to our business, Market America is making a special offer.

For the first 200 responses, Any Distributor who brings a GenY (18-29 years old) PROSPECT to the World Conference, Market America will provide free admission. This offer is for the entire World Conference; however, it is recommended that the GenY prospects attend the Super Breakout on Friday night so they will be able to evaluate our business plan.

Please note: there is a limit to the number of GenY prospects we can accomodate.

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Tuesday Cheyn Crangle Young Business Owners & Friends -

We are young, we are considered “wet behind the ears”, we are considered clueless when it comes to business standards and money. Does this sit well with you? For most of us, we were attracted to the money. Money is a driving factor for most people in life. I’m here to tell you as living proof – all things can be accomplished with this business. Don’t believe you can make $1,500 a week? Don’t believe you can change your entire future for the better? Don’t believe that our generation is going to change the way entrepreneurs get ahead? Don’t believe that Shop.com powered by Market America is THE most powerful business model for the average person to create a disgusting amount of money? Then leave.

As a business owner you automatically set yourself apart from your drunk college friends, lazy significant others, and “crossed fingers” college students hoping they get a job. I really, 100% want you to look at the alternative. You going to work the rest of your life?!!! You are part of an elite part of society – AN ENTREPRENEUR. As an entrepreneur you completely hold unlimited income potential in your hands. You are now DRIVING your vehicle for the future. Now, just like any driver, you can get lost. That’s where I come in. As a leader of our Young IMPACT Team I have already made the mistakes, fumbled the ball, and fell on the sword. I can prevent almost all downfalls from happening, I just need you to do one thing – BELIEVE.

The next forty years of your life are going to pass. Will you spend it working for someone else or working for yourself? It’s time to leave the excuses at home and blaze a real trail for 20-30 year olds. Again, don’t believe it can be done? DON’T PARTICIPATE! We are going to do this with or without you, I know you can see this already! Our time is now. Have you completed your names list? Are you attending all major events? Are you showing the business plan to one person per week? Are you establishing one new customer per week? These are the small steps that build a true residual income. I look forward to taking this journey with all of you! I’ll see everyone in Miami! Our time is now!

Tireless – Cheyn

The Tax Benefits of Owning Your Own
Home Based Business

Courtesy of David Jesse

(cashflowfortheaverageJoe.com)

The Absolute Best Way, in my opinion, to qualify for significant tax deductions, is to start your own home based business!

DID YOU KNOW...
Congress has told the IRS to give Huge Tax Benefits and Deductions to taxpayers who have a home-based business, OR anyone who operated one at any time in the past 3 years?

In fact, you can actually put an additional $200 to $600 or more in your pocket each month, starting as soon as next week.

The average person pays a significant portion of their income every year to taxes, oftentimes representing their single largest expense.

Therefore, legally reducing your tax burden can become the single most important money saving strategy a person can use to improve their overall household financial condition.

Most people don’t realize how much they actually pay in taxes, because they don’t write a check for it every single month.

You see, the government was smart when they set up our tax system.

Instead of paying you your full wage and having you write the various government authorities a check every month for your taxes, the taxing authorities have your employer withhold these taxes directly from your paycheck, so you don’t ever see the money...it’s paid to the taxing authorities first, before you even get paid. What you don’t see, you can’t miss!!!

In addition, I believe there are two different tax systems in America...one for the employed and another for the self employed business owner. Please follow along carefully.

In a nutshell, here’s how our tax system works for an employee, step by step...

1) An employee works hard for their employer’s business, thus earning income.
2) An employee pays taxes on that income, through payroll withholdings, thus funding Uncle Sam’s business.
3) An employee pays the mortgage or rent on their residence, thus funding the bank’s or landlord’s business.
4) An employee then makes a payment on their credit card balance, thus funding the credit card company’s business.
5) An employee then pays all of their living expenses, thus funding all of those particular businesses.
6) Finally, at the end of all this, you may or may not have a few scraps left over for yourself to use for investment, savings, fun, a special purchase, etc.

It’s not how much money you make that counts, it’s how much you KEEP!

Most people work very hard for everyone else...not themselves...which is a shame.

To take control of your financial life, you need to have your own business. This also will provide you with additional tax benefits.

You need to have your money start working for you, instead of you working for money.

I’m not telling you that you need to quit your day job, but start building your own business on the side part time...I don’t care what it is!!! Do something!! Anything!!

Of course, your business, whatever it is you decide to do, must have a profit intent other than just the significant tax benefits.

The difference between an employee and a business owner is that an employee pays taxes on his or her income first, then pays for expenses.

A business owner, on the other hand, pays expenses first, and then pays taxes.

Let’s take a closer look at the tax situation of a business owner...

1) A business owner works hard or has employees that work hard, thus earning the business income.
2) A business owner then can take advantage of many tax benefits that employees are not permitted to take. Also, when done properly, the business owner may also be able to convert many former personal expenses into legitimate tax-deductible business expenses.
3) Finally, after taking all the tax benefits legally allowed by law, the business owner pays taxes on the amount left over...often at a lesser percentage than the employees that work for him or her.

Congress has approved a significant amount of deductions for business owners, to help them properly run their business, in an attempt to help the business grow.

The theory behind this...if you help a business grow, they will not only employ more people down the road and help the economy grow, but the business owner also will pay more taxes down the road as his or her business grows.

A business owner therefore has the advantage of being able to use the money his or her business makes to reinvest into the growth of the business, BEFORE paying taxes on that money...instead of paying taxes on that money first before you even physically receive that income.

Now, I don’t expect you to become a tax expert, but I would like for you to become more aware of how our tax system works, so you can make as much money as possible, and at the same time, reduce your taxes to the legal minimum.

Mileage on your Automobile
The standard mileage rate for 2011 is now $0.555 per business mile driven.

What this means is that your automobile, typically one of the most costly expenses for the average person, can become one of your largest tax deductions if you use it regularly as part of your business.

In other words, for every 2 business miles that you drive, you essentially receive a one dollar business tax deduction.

This can add up quickly, and a person that drives, say 5,000 miles for business during the year, is entitled to a business tax deduction of about $2,775.

Because you will use your automobile for personal use as well as business, you must maintain a usage log to validate your business use.

Furthermore, with proper documentation, planning, and use of your vehicle, you may be able to convert many former personal miles into tax deductible business miles. Again, get educated and learn how, when done properly, the tax laws can be followed and provide tax benefits for you and your business.

Hire Your Children
Hire your children to work for you in your business instead of paying them an allowance!

This can provide tremendous tax benefits for parents who still have dependent children between the ages of 7 and 18.

By running your business out of your home, and since your children probably do some work around the home anyway, why not have your home based business hire them and pay them real tax deductible wages.

According to the IRS, a dependent child as young as seven years old can qualify as an employee of their parent’s business. And if the child is a dependent on your tax return and under the age of 18, he or she is exempt from payroll taxes and the business is not required to withhold Social Security or Medicare taxes from their wages.

This is HUGE, as the wages paid are tax deductible for you, and the first $5,450 (for 2008) is not taxable to the child, as he or she will be able to take the standard deduction on his or her tax return and pay no taxes.

"But David, I don’t have enough money to be paying my child to work for my business!"...

Hold on...please keep reading...

As the parent and guardian of your dependent child, you will become the custodian of their bank account (where they will deposit their paycheck), since your minor child is not permitted to conduct banking transactions.

There are very few restrictions on how your child, the wage earner, or you, the custodian of his or her bank account, uses the money after it has been paid.

These funds can be used in many different ways for the benefit of your employed child…things such as new school clothes, new shoes, sporting equipment, music lessons, a new car, etc.

Please keep in mind, again, that you must keep proper records of all of this, with proper documentation and support.

Also, the wage you pay your child must be “reasonable and customary” for the work that was performed...you can’t just take the deduction without the work being performed and without payment being made to the child.

But what a great tax savings strategy, as well as an opportunity to teach your child about money!

In addition to these two ideas mentioned above, there are many, many, many...more potential tax benefits of operating your own home based business, thus saving you a tremendous amount of money...things such as home office expenses, computers, cell phones, office supplies, internet and telephone service, dues and subscriptions, computer software, travel, meals & entertainment, seminars, educational expenses, advertising, etc.