Overview

Importantly, research shows that children and adolescents with ADHD have substantially lower levels of Vitamin D in their blood compared to children/adolescents without ADHD ^{2, 3}. Another study even showeds that when a Vitamin D supplement was administered in combination with Ritalin, ADHD evening symptoms were substantially improved in the children who took Vitamin D compared to those who consumed a placebo along with Ritalin ⁴ Taken together, these studies suggest a critical role for Vitamin D in the regulation of ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. Furthermore, research shows that a Vitamin D deficiency is associated with ASD and ASD symptom severity; but these symptoms can actually be improved with Vitamin D supplementation ⁵. Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels in children is a concern for many parents. Known as the sunshine vitamin, one of the key roles of vitamin D is maintaining serum calcium and phosphorous balance, a key aspect of bone health. Our bodies make vitamin D by converting vitamin D2 to D3, or cholecalciferol, when exposed to sunlight; D3 is also the form which the body derives from dietary cholesterol. When calcium and phosphorus levels dip in the body, parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released to increase vitamin D conversion to the active form. D3 is then metabolized to calcitriol, a steroid hormone that helps regulate a variety of genes through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). While vitamin D is available in both forms as supplements, studies have found vitamin D3 is the preferable form as it has been found to maintain active vitamin D levels for a longer period of time. Immuni-D Liquid Drops is delivered as D3 (cholecalciferol) for optimal use by the body and it provides 400 IU per 1⁄2 dropperful, for easy administration and absorption in children. Immuni-D is a convenient way to ensure that kids maintain optimal vitamin D status by, delivering targeted amounts of vitamin D in an odorless, tasteless liquid that can be added to any beverage.

Vitamin D Depletion^†

While it has long been assumed that the majority of the population achieves adequate levels of vitamin D through exposure to the sun, the biosynthesis of this nutrient is affected By the time of day, seasons, location, smog/pollution, clothing, and sunscreen. In addition, those with darker skin require more exposure to the sun to attain adequate levels. These factors all contribute to the insufficiency seen in a growing portion of the population. In addition, it takes about 48 hours for vitamin D to be absorbed from the skin into the body and washing skin during that time period can interfere with absorption into the blood. Inadequate intake or levels of cholesterol can also inhibit the adequate production of this nutrient. Depleted levels of vitamin D may interfere with the development of teeth and bones and cell growth, and contribute to poor regulation of the immune and nervous systems.⁶ Accordingly, research shows that children with psychosocial, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ASD, ADHD) tend to have lower levels of vitamin D3 in their bloodstream than typically developing children and reduced levels of this vitamin were negatively correlated with healthy language and behavior. After supplementing the diet with vitamin D3, behavior and language improved, thereby demonstrating the importance of regular vitamin D3 supplementation for children with such disorders. ⁷

Bone and Dental Health^†

Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of vitamin D to maintain healthy bone density. In one 2013 study, 52 overweight men and women with suboptimal vitamin D levels were given either 7,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily or a placebo for 26 weeks. The vitamin D group had significantly increased vitamin D levels in the blood and improved biomarkers of bone Health.^{13, 14} A study of vitamin D status, bone mineral content (BMC) and density (aBMD), and markers of calcium homeostasis in 488 preschool-aged children found higher vitamin D status to be linked to higher BMC and aBMD of the forearm and whole body in preschool-aged children.¹⁵ Vitamin D has also been found to be linked to an improvement in bone discomfort and “growing pains” among a cohort of 33 children.¹⁶ As vitamin D levels are generally lower in children with behavioral, psychosocial, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, ASD) in comparison to the typically developing children, vitamin D supplementation is vital towards improving bone health, dental health, and also mental health for children with special needs.^{4, 7}

Immune Health and Modulation^†

One of the more profound functions of vitamin D is its ability to modulate immunity. An important recent study suggested that improving vitamin D status significantly affects the expression of genetic pathways linked to immune activity.¹⁷ Vitamin D has been shown to boost the immune response by up-regulating specific genes that increase cellular production of natural compounds that protect us against pathogens.¹⁸ A randomized, not blinded, controlled trial of 63 patients, ages 8 to 18 years, with imbalanced gastrointestinal immunity, found better inflammatory markers and cytokines among participants receiving higher vitamin D2. ¹⁹ In addition to improving immunity, bone health, and cardiometabolic parameters, vitamin D3 supplementation helps improve the overall quality of life for children with ASD, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In particular,one study showed that for a number of children with ASD, vitamin D3 supplementation led to significantly better Childhood Autism Rating Scale scores and measures of stereotypical behavior, eye contact, and attention span. ⁵ Furthermore, children with ADHD experienced similar benefits as vitamin D supplementation led to heightened cognitive function along with reduced impulsivity, inattentiveness, opposition, and hyperactivity. ^{20, 21} Since supplementation is beneficial, safe, and cost effective, Vitamin D is an optimal choice for easing many of the symptoms of ADHD and ASD.

Cardiometabolic^†

Vitamin D has repeatedly been found in literature to be associated with improved cardiometabolic health among pediatric populations, as well as adults. A systematic review and meta analysis of the relationship of serum vitamin D and blood fats in a pediatric population found higher vitamin D levels supported a healthier fat profile. ⁸ A national report from a Middle Eastern population found that lower levels of vitamin D were present even among a population with more frequent sun exposure, and noted the same relationship seen in the Mmeta-analysis.⁹ A cross- sectional analysis of 3,577 fasting, non-pregnant adolescents also found better cardiometabolic markers among those teens with more optimal vitamin D status.¹⁰ Finally, a triple-masked, controlled trial of 50 adolescents supported the favorable effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin balance and cardiometabolic health. ¹¹ Indeed, a specific enzyme in the body called 7-Dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) converts a substance called 7 dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) into cholesterol, thereby promoting healthy cholesterol levels. However, substance 7DHC can also be converted into vitamin D from sunlight.¹² Vitamin D supplementation supports this process for both typically developing children as well as those with psychosocial or neurodevelopmental disorders, especially when adequate levels of vitamin D are not produced due to limited sunlight exposure.

Immuni-D Liquid

Dosage Instructions

Does Not Contain

Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Cautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

References

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