Most people are familiar with Vitamin D’s role in preventing childhood rickets and in helping the body absorb calcium, but it also protects us from a wide range of diseases. Researchers are discovering that D also promotes normal cell growth and differentiation throughout the body, working as a key factor in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy immune system. New clinical studies reveal that deficiencies of Vitamin D are becoming epidemic in the population and are linked with increased risks for stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, several forms of cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, types 1 and 2 diabetes, depression, and even schizophrenia. Studies have shown a strong correlation between blood levels of Vitamin D and breast cancer risk. A 2008 study in the medical journal Carcinogenisis found that women with highest level of vitamin D had a nearly 70 percent reduction in their risk of breast cancer compared with women with the lowest Vitamin D levels. Multiple studies indicate that vitamin D suppresses growth of breast cancer by 1.) blocking signals that stimulate cancer cell growth, and 2.) optimizing signals that inhibit cancer growth. Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a prohormone which helps the body to make its own supply from the action of sunshine (ultraviolet light) on the skin. But most people do not get enough exposure to sunlight to make adequate amounts of D, and we get only very small amounts from our diet, so supplementing with D in its’ most natural form - Vitamin D3 - is the best way to ensure that your body is getting what it needs for optimum health. You are at greater risk of suffering from a Vitamin D3 deficiency if you have renal or intestinal problems as your body will be unable to absorb this needed nutrient from the food you eat. Symptoms of Vitamin D3 deficiency can include weak bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis), low energy and fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood swings and/or depression. In our clinical practice – and note that we are in Florida, the “Sunshine State” – 85 to 90 percent of the patients we test are Vitamin D3 deficient. Ingredients: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 1000 IU Dosage: One tablet daily, as a dietary supplement or as directed by your health care provider.