Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) is derived from cod liver oil and sheep’s wool and is free of Vitamin A. Fat-soluble Vitamin D₃ is converted by the kidneys into the hormone calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D₃, which affects a variety of target tissues, including bone, intestine, muscle, brain, skin and immune cells.* Calcitriol enhances calcium and phosphorous absorption and stimulates the synthesis of osteocalcin, an important structural protein in bone.* Also, calcitriol is involved in proper cell differentiation (changing of cell function), including in prostate cells.

UCLA scientists published a paper in the journal Nature, showing that Vitamin D is potent antibiotic. Instead of directly killing bacteria and viruses, it increases the body's production of aantimicrobial peptides. The 200 known antimicrobial peptides directly and rapidly destroy the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including the influenza virus, and play a key role in keeping the lungs free of infection. The steroid hormone that showed these remarkable antibiotic properties was plain old vitamin D.  High dosages, such as 2,000 Units have been shown to be effective against the flu.

There are, of course, many theories concerning the cause of autism.  One theory, proposed by Dr. John Cannell, a psychiatrist and prominent vitamin D advocate, is that flagging levels of the vitamin in pregnant women and young children could be the elusive factor explaining the rising rate of autism.  It has yet to be born out through data, but there is the possibility that supplementing with Vitamin D may help improve symptoms of autism.  Scientific American published an article on this theory April 24. 2009.  To view the article, click here.

One capsule of the 400IU vitamin D3 contains:

One capsule of the 2500IU vitamin D3 contains:

Other Ingredients

Soybean oil and fish liver oil. Softgel consists of gelatin, glycerin, and water.

No wheat, no gluten, no dairy, no egg, no shellfish, no peanuts/tree nuts.

100 IU of Vitamin D is equal to 2.5 micrograms of cholecalciferol. Each softgel contains 62.5 mcg of cholecalciferol.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.