Vitamin D Linked to HDL Cholesterol - Shaklee Corporation Research Links Vitamin D with Key Biomarkers for Metabolic Syndrome and Hea...( PLEASANTON Calif. May 1 /- Research s...),Health

PLEASANTON, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Research supported by Shaklee Corporation, the number one natural nutrition company in the U.S., shows that a lower blood vitamin D level is associated with metabolic syndrome and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The study results are currently being presented at the National Lipid Association Annual Scientific Sessions in Miami, Florida and suggest an important role of vitamin D nutrition for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Roger Barnett, Chairman and CEO of Shaklee Corporation says, "Shaklee has a 53 year heritage of conducting scientific research as science continues to be the strategic driver guiding our product development and innovation." The scientific community is advocating higher intake of vitamin D to address the suboptimal vitamin D blood levels found in many Americans. Researchers have linked low vitamin D intakes to osteoporosis or brittle bones, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.

This cross-sectional study assessed the relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk markers, including the metabolic syndrome and its components, in 257 men and women, most of whom were attending Shaklee's national conference in New Orleans in August, 2008. Total vitamin D intake and intake of vitamin D from dietary supplements were both strongly associated with serum vitamin D level. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C or "good cholesterol") concentration increased as vitamin D intakes increased. Each 10 ng/mL increase in serum vitamin D was associated with a 4.2 mg/dL increase in HDL-C and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome decreased significantly as serum vitamin D levels increased.

"Shaklee's heritage has been about improving people's health and well-being and we are proud of supporting this important research. The findings may have significant
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