Vitamin D & Aloe Vera

Why is Vitamin D important?

Most of us know that vitamin D is important to support the health of bones and teeth.

But did you know that vitamin D also supports our muscle, immune and nervous system functions? Unique to this vitamin, your skin creates vitamin D with sun exposure but this action can be limited by sunscreen, the time of year, skin tone and even your geographic location.

Common food sources for vitamin D include milk, eggs and fatty fish. It would seem that obtaining adequate vitamin D would be easy. Yet according to the National Center for Health Statistics, close to 56% of American adults have vitamin D deficiencies. Current research is finding evidence not only of bone health concerns but a decrease in the overall health status of people with low levels of vitamin D.

Increased sun exposure does carry serious risks, so most experts are strongly recommending a daily supplement of 1000IU per day for most adults.

Vitamin Absorption Improved through the Use of Aloe Vera

In September 2002, breakthrough research conducted by University of Scranton scientists on the use of aloe vera was presented at the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) annual conference.

Lead researcher, Dr. Joe A. Vinson, described the research study demonstrating increased bioavailability of vitamins C and E when taken in combination with aloe vera.

The study was a human clinical trial whereby test subjects were given doses of vitamin C or E with or without aloe. Blood samples were taken at the start of the trial, before the administration of the vitamins, and periodically for 24 hours after the administration of blinded test samples.

The blood plasma was then analyzed to determine the level of concentration of each vitamin absorbed.

The results of the trial show that aloe vera improves the absorption of both vitamin C and E. The absorption is slower and the vitamins last longer in the blood plasma with aloe vera.

Researchers concluded that the intake of aloe vera should be considered as a way to complement vitamins C and E. More research in this area will help to confirm these findings.

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